Ethical (?) Dilemma?

Nurses General Nursing

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Here is my dilemma...and this isn't a homework question. :D

In May, a position opened on the day shift. It was advertised for an RN (I am an LPN), so I didn't put my name in for it. The first week of June, the position wasn't filled, so I told my DON that I was interested if they would consider an LPN. She said that they would, but that they had hired an LPN for the position that morning.

About two weeks later, another RN resigned and the DON told me that if I wanted the open spot, it was mine once they had coverage on the night shift. In July, they hired two nurses and we started doing their orientation. I was supposed to start day shift in the middle of September.

The nurse who was supposed to be my replacement is doing awesome on orientation. She picks up on things quickly, she jumps right in to get things done, and she is a very good nurse. But...she hates nights...and she fell asleep driving home a few days ago and her car ended up in the ditch, inches from a fence.

Her husband informed her (and the DON), that she either gets the open position on day shift or she resigns. I now have two options...let this nurse take the position on days and stay on nights, or keep the position on days but keep working nights until they find and orient another replacement (probably another two or three months).

I would feel bad if the other nurse resigned and I can honestly handle nights without difficulty, but I really want that spot on days. I like being home in the evening and my family likes it too. I hate to see someone unemployed, especially since there are not a lot of jobs out there.

What would you do?

And how did you even find out about this crap?

LOL...the DON called me in to talk about it. I have until tonight to make a decision. I guess I am going to stay on nights for two or three more months until they can find a replacement who actually can/will work nights. I hate to see the other nurse resign, but I am taking the spot on day shift.

Specializes in ER.

JUST 2-3 months!!

Mark my words, those 2-3 months will be extended. Get her promise in writing, that at a specific time you go to days whether or not that night position has been filled. I sure hope that other night nurse didn't get her way...

If I was in charge I might have taken time to think about the whole situation, but I think the conclusion would be that if MVA nurse was causing so many issues now, she'd likely be a PIA in the job. I'd reward the good employee, and show a little freaking backbone.

Specializes in Dialysis. OR, cardiac tell, homecare case managem.

take your days ASAP, it is your position, I agree with above post 2 to 3 months will turn to 5 or 6 and keep going on.

Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

Why is ethics only a question on you're side of the fence?

Is it ethical for the sleepy nurse and her husband to ask for what has been promised to you?

Take the day job. You've earned it.

I hate to see the other nurse resign, but I am taking the spot on day shift.

will the day opening be availabe for 2-3 months?

i'd hate to see you lose that slot, just to wait for the night opening to be filled.

i can tell through your sensitivity to the new nurse quitting, that you're susceptible to guilt.

and i wonder if this is why the DON pulled you in (being too nice and guilt-prone), because you KNOW, she shouldn't have...

and should have left them as 2 seperate issues.

but she didn't and tried to persuade you in giving the day position to the new nurse.:mad:

i hope you hold your ground and get the day shift position.

as others have said, you've earned it, and as it should have never been your burden, you automatically deserve it.

leslie

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

she agreed to work nights and that has nothing to do with you. If she wants to leave then let her. Why does her husband have a say anyway? Is she an adult??

The nurse who drove off the road because she fell asleep at the wheel is adapting to nights nicely. She is managing to sleep during the day and should be a nice asset to the night shift. Yay!

I am supposed to start on day shift next week. That might not happen.

The other new night nurse is not adjusting to the schedule at all. She is actually physically sick because of the mixed up sleep pattern. She has fallen asleep at work several times and leaves early at least once a week. So…she is probably going to be terminated, which means that a position on night shift needs to be filled. Guess who gets it.

I don't object to working nights…I actually like nights. I have been promised (again) the day shift position as soon as nights has adequate coverage. I'm guessing that will be in 2020…LOL.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
The nurse who drove off the road because she fell asleep at the wheel is adapting to nights nicely. She is managing to sleep during the day and should be a nice asset to the night shift. Yay!

I am supposed to start on day shift next week. That might not happen.

The other new night nurse is not adjusting to the schedule at all. She is actually physically sick because of the mixed up sleep pattern. She has fallen asleep at work several times and leaves early at least once a week. So...she is probably going to be terminated, which means that a position on night shift needs to be filled. Guess who gets it.

I don't object to working nights...I actually like nights. I have been promised (again) the day shift position as soon as nights has adequate coverage. I'm guessing that will be in 2020...LOL.

I really love nights!!!! My children have never been in day care. :yeah::yeah::yeah:I am so glad things are comming together:yeah:!! Good for you!!! :)

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