Considering changing specialties...AGAIN!

[JacelRN, BSN, RN]

Hello everyone,

I haven't been here for a few months; thankfully I have been quite fulfilled in my new specialty. I recently switched from Med-Surg nursing to Hospice nursing. I love the work I do, my co-workers are awesome and if only one teeny, tiny aspect of my job were changed, I would be happier...I need to get off night shifts.

Unfortunately, that change is not available to me in my present specialty. We work 8 hour shifts and it is a small unit so not many nurses are needed for every shift. The shift I want and need is evening shift and they are full! Working night shift is seriously affecting my personal life unlike anything I have experienced before: I see my husband rarely, 2 days a week if he's lucky to get those nights off from work; I miss my church every other weekend because of sleep (believe me I've tried going without sleep...it ain't pretty) and I feel like a zombie most days when I wake up after sleeping my full 8 hours. I guess it's time to be honest with myself. I can't do it anymore without going insane.

So with that rant said, I'm looking into another specialty I have been interested in from college: Labor and Delivery. The manager of the unit is already on my side and there is a perfect job awaiting me: 11a-11p 3 days a week (12 hour shifts). My hubby works evening shift at his job so he gets home most nights at 12:30 or 1 am. This would work out perfectly and we'd be able to go to bed together every night (something I have seriously missed out on since working my 4 nights a week.)

I guess my question is this: I'm worried that my employer will frown upon my switching so soon. It really has nothing to do with the job, just what the job is doing to my personal life and the inopportunity in my current specialty.

Does anyone have an opinion on this, or advice to me regarding the best way I can go about explaining why I need to make this change? I appreciate anything you guys and gals have to offer.

Thanks in advance,

JacelRN

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

you're a nurse after my own heart!! i couldn't resist replying when i saw the title of your thread.

being a mostly night nurse, i can relate to your quality of life issue. however, being a mother, and wife of a medic supervisor (who works all kinds of hours), that is something i cannot relate to. i work nights because it's easier for our schedule. i get to see hubby at times during the day, and he only works 3 days a week too. and we have childcare issues to deal with, so i don't mind the flexibilty.

having said that, i don't know what i'd say if i were in your shoes. i would be a little hesitant to say that its because of the hours. i'm always extra cautious about not making myself look flexible (mind you, i did resign from a job b/c they wouldn't drop me to pt) but, since you have something lined up already, i guess it won't hurt.

i think you should definitely tell your nm that it's not the job. i'm sure she would appreciate the honesty, as i know many people resign jobs because they are unhappy with the conditions. also, you would not be lying if you tell her that you are transferring to a specialty you've always wanted to try.

if possible, make yourself available to pick up overtime on that floor. that would probably soften the blow.