In a slump

Nurses Career Support

Published

Specializes in ER, Med-surg, ICU.

Hi. I need some advice. I am an RN working in a small rural ER. Love nursing, however the hours have been getting to me. We are short staffed so I have been getting scheduled for several different shifts, either starting at 3 am and working until 3:30 pm or starting at 3 pm and working until 3:30 am, or working 7-3 or 3-11. I have three children who I don't see very much due to this and lately my body is exhausted!! My DON has scheduled me this way in the past and i have talked to her and asked her for more consistency for the reasons I have listed, she takes things personally and makes the next schedule that much worse. She has told me that my job comes first and my family comes second. Well, i have been thinking about applying for other jobs, its just that the commute is 70 miles one way to the next hospital with openings. But It seems that may be my only option. Any advice on what to do??

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Your DON may think that your job comes first, but YOU know better. If this schedule is something that you cannot continue to work and you have gone to her and professionally discussed why it's not working for you AND she continues to ignore your concerns, then it is time for you to start looking for other options. Do not let someone snow you into believing that one particular job is the end all be all position.

Some people in authoritative positions become blinded to anything but what concerns them regarding the work environment and apparently you and your family are not a concern.

Be professional, state what problems you are having, ask if a better schedule can be adopted, and if you are told no, then AGAIN be professional and turn in your notice that you will be leaving due to the fact that you cannot continue to work rotating shifts.

I personally agree with you about not being able to work rotating shifts. I think they suck and there is no way I would even consider a position that requires me to rotate back and forth that way. I don't even know why some employer think it's good practice to do it, but maybe I'm missing a part of the puzzle. IDK.

Anyway, good luck in whateve you decide is best for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Boy, what a lot of nerve.

I would have one more heart to heart, if you do indeed like this job. Calmly explain that while you love your job and patients, personal health and wellbeing and family do indeed come first, but work is a very high priority. Assertively say "is there anything we can work out, or do I need to look for something else and not waste either your time or mine".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.
Boy, what a lot of nerve.

I would have one more heart to heart, if you do indeed like this job. Calmly explain that while you love your job and patients, personal health and wellbeing and family do indeed come first, but work is a very high priority. Assertively say "is there anything we can work out, or do I need to look for something else and not waste either your time or mine".

I agree with both replies.

They think they are holding you ransom at this job.

I think you should definitely have one more meeting but I do not see her changing her ways.

70 Miles is a long way for a job but for health, sanity and YOUR family it may be the best way to go.

Do let us know how things pan out for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Tele, ICU.

I am very sympathetic. My situation is similar and I hope that you can find some resolution in yours.

My question to all is: How do you move forward if that DON, or manager, is you reference and can impact your future employment because of that? We all know managers who will take things out on staff in their position and if they try to move on. How do we work around this?

Help. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have you thought about telephone triage? There are some companies that allow nurses to do at-home work such as Intellicare and FoneMed. You would be a great asset with your ER experience. If not, consider home health. If the documentation is not too outrageous, home health would be an area where you may get a little flexibility and have autonomy as well. Otherwise, I agree with the previous posts suggesting how you can approach your manager. Best wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment