Can they say no to reducing hours?

[lannisz]

I talked to my manager last week about reducing my hours to part-time. Currently I work 3 12's, nights, EVERY Fri, Sat and Sun night. I chose the weekend schedule so that I would always work the same schedule with predictability due to my school schedule. My co-workers are very happy and grateful that I work every weekend because then they don't have to. I asked to reduce my hours to 2 12 hour night shifts still weekends only. I asked to reduce my hours because of my high stress level and impact on my health. I also begin my fulltime FNP classes and clinicals in the Spring. I am burning the candle at both ends already and it is impacting my health and my family. I was shocked when she said absolutely NOT because we are too short staffed already. I am asking for one less shift per week. If something doesn't change soon I will have to quit. Why would it be better to have an employee quit then to simply lose one shift?

[GardenDove]

It entirely depends on your facility policy and your manager. My manager is very flexible. Others like to keep their FTEs unbroken up.

[llg, PhD, RN]

While your manager might be making a strategic mistake, your employer has the right to decide whether or not they offer you part time employment. I doubt there are any laws that say an employer MUST allow its staff to work part time.

If you decide to resign rather than to continue working full time, I recommend being gracious about it. Say that you are sorry, but that you simply can not work a full time schedule at this time of your life ... but if she ever has any part time opportunities available, you would very much like to hear about them. She may eventually change her mind and invite you back if you remain on good terms.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I agree with the others; it depends on the flexibility of the facility. Many places, unfortunately, are dangerously short of nurses, and it may be a reality that they have to refuse people. I hope that things change for you, but, if not, consider agency work, where you call the shots for the hours and days where you may wish to work. Best wishes!