Career advice on asking to drop from full-time to part-time/casual

[raindrops1234]

Hey everyone, I need some opinions on the best way to handle a situation.

About one month ago (mid April) I got offered a part-time position at a LTC facility. They then asked me if I wanted a full time permanent nights position and I took it without thinking it through. Also, the rotation gives me four days off every two weeks, and they are all single days off..meaning I will never get to have a social life because my days off will be meant for catching up on sleep. I have completed 2/8 orientation shifts.

Two weeks ago-ish (May 3) I got an interviews for a radiation oncology casual position (and oncology is the field that I have always wanted to work in). Last week I was offered that job and I have accepted because I feel like this job will open more doors for me.

So, I am really wanting to not work full-time at the LTC facility, and I want to ask the manager is I can drop down to either part-time or even casual I would be fine with (as they have spent time and money orientating me so I don't want to just quit). I have the other 6 orientation shifts this week and am due to start my actual rotation next Monday (May 29). I have been trying to figure out how to contact my supervising manager (but no one knows who that actually is). I am quite nervous about asking to drop down to part-time/casual? Any advice on how to do this? Should I contact them this week? (New job starts June 5th).

Sorry this is so long. Thanks!

[rkitty198, BSN, RN]

Still on orientation, and got a new job. Mmm. I probably would make sure, I mean make sure, that you will stay part-time at the LTC. Orientation costs the employer a lot of time and money, it wouldnt be fair to use those scorifice resources and not plan on staying to some degree if they can accomodate your request. Spreading yourself thin with practically two orientations (statistically, new jobs take a year to feel comfortable) and in two positions you might want to think about this now. If you dont plan on staying for a year at minimum with the LTC, I wouldnt waste their time and money. If it were me I would get out now, telling the manager you thought you would like the job but it just isnt for you, so they can find someone now for the full-time position. This way you are being fair to yourself and your employer.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

You have nothing to lose here. You have something else already lined up. Either they say yes and you work the current job for a while either casual or prn and likely phase it out of your life over time or they say no and you move on to your new job that is a better fit. There is nothing to feel guilty over here. Just go in and discuss it. They would not lose any sleep at all if they had to cancel you due to low census or let you go due to budget cuts. You are in the orientation period, where either party is able to determine if things aren't a good fit. Shake it off, square your shoulders and ask for what you want.