Advice needed, trying to stay per diem

[Alisonisayoshi, LVN]

I was presented with an amazing opportunity a little over three months into my first real nursing job. I want to take the opportunity very badly (better benefits, hospital job, cool specialty area), but I was raised loyal to a job for at least a year, especially when they take a chance on you. So I'm in a quagmire. I'd like to tell my current job I want to stay on per diem, but don't know how to start that conversation.

I plan to give my notice to the SNF I'm working at this week if all goes as planned with the reference and background check at the new job, but I'm not sure if it's presumptive to say "I'm giving notice for my full time job, but I'd like to stay on call, and perhaps work coverage when you are short staffed".

The only nurses I could ask about this in my everyday life are my coworkers. I don't feel comfortable broaching it with them... so help please!

[SamuelMorris]

I understand your trepidation and the idea you are loyal to your job, but you have to remember that at the end of the day, If it suited them to fire you, they would do so without a 2nd thought. Job loyalty isn't a hugely admirable thing when your working for a large company where you are just a cog in the machine. This is a lesson that you should learn early, as job loyality really is just a pathway to becoming a used worker.

Before turning in your notice, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!! make sure you get a written job offer, the new job is all hear-say until you actually have that document. Once you have the written offer, turn in a letter or resignation with 2 weeks notice directly to your nursing manager or whoever would handle such things at your facility (depending on size of facility, submitting both to HR and your manager might be wise). I wouldn't exactly offer to be per diem as you have written above as that does sound presumptuous. Try something more along the lines of

"Thank you very much for the opportunity in working here, I learned a great deal about patient care and the role of being a nurse however, I have found a position that better suits my needs and is where I want to take my career. As such, I'm submitting to you my letter of resignation and two weeks notice. If you'd like to keep me as a per-diem employee, I'd happily accept such a arrangement"

Obviously this isn't exactly what you should say, as this is coming out of my head not yours but that is the general idea. Be nice, Courteous but firm. Do NOT let them use guilt, that's the sign of a terrible employer. If they try lines such as "I'm very disappointed in your discussion" or "I thought you cared about this place" etc. etc. I've heard that some places even try to pull stuff like "what about the resident's, don't you want to be there for them?". Again that's a extreme example but has happened in places desperate to keep around staff. Don't back down, Be strong and make it clear the decision has already been made.

Good luck, and remember, don't forget to get the written offer first before talking to anyone about this!

[Alisonisayoshi, LVN]

Thank you so much. Especially for the advice on the written offer. What you've said actually sounds rather perfect. And yes, they'd fire me tomorrow if I messed up. I hadn't thought of that...

[APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

I recommend a meeting with the Director of the SNF and ask for Per Diem status. Find out what the requirements are for Per Diem/On Call at your current place of employment. You may find out that it requires a certain number of weekend shifts per month, or perhaps a set amount of days per month to remain on Per Diem status.

Collect your data first, and then make your decision once you are able to make an informed decision.

Ensure that you have a solid job offer at your desired place of employment before making any changes at your current place of employment.

Best of luck in your endeavors.