Difficult Time Working Nights

[Yogalov'nRN]

I recently moved to VA from out of state. I have been in L&D/OB my entire nursing career,( 10 yrs).

When I got here I found that L&D jobs are limited (esp. on days).

My history- I have a strong history of depression and ADD, has had it's ups and downs over the years-but have not had problems that interfere with my work. I do take medication to manage both.

The job I was very recently hired into is night shift PRN, I have worked nights before, when I first graduated, so I thought I could give it a try for a while to see how it goes until they let me start picking up day shifts.

After 2 weeks of hospital orientation, I started my unit orientation on days, had 5 shifts, did OK.

So, I thought I could do it, my last 2 shifts of orientation were on nights. It sent my med schedule and depression into a downward spiral much quicker then I would have ever expected. It took me over 1 week to feel normal, (actually get up out of bed) with a visit to my Psychiatrist. He agrees that nights are not a good idea for me at this time.

I know I need to notify them ASAP, but I am embarrassed about this. I would like to stay and work PRN, but I know I cannot keep the schedule on nights. I don't know how to go about this. Should I tell them about WHY I cannot work nights and have that "stigma"? Do they really need to know my medical hx? Should I just resign and tell them this is not working out for me?

I am in that 90 day new hire probation. I don't want to let them down, but cannot put myself or children through it. I thought I could do it, I would not have taken the job had I known it would make me feel so bad. I am just asking for some advice on how to handle this. Thanks so much!

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I'd schedule a meeting with a manager and explain to them the situation, and see if there are PRN positions during day/evening. It would probably help to have a note from your psychiatrist or other MD. It's not that they need to know your medical history, but having a note from someone treating you will (or should) help them accomodate you. Good luck. I know it's not fun.

[loriangel14, RN]

I have worked with nurses that for medical reasons could not handle nights.They got notes from their doctors and were scheduled days/evenings after that.

Best of luck and take care of yourself.I hope you feel better.

[ChasingRain]

IF IT WERE ME,I would also schedule a meeting and explain to them what you just explained to us. You truely thought you would be able to handle it, and now see that you can't. I think they would understand that more than you just telling them it's not working out; that might give them a bad impression. I would think that by you explaining your situation they would try to work something out with you if it's possible. If not, then at least they would understand why you are quitting.

However, your life is your business and if YOU don't feel comfortable telling them about it then it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for you to just tell them it isn't working out, and give a two-week notice. After all, you have to do what's best for YOU and your family...Best wishes :redbeathe

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

I agree with having a meeting with them, but I think you should not provide details about your medical condition. A letter from your doctor stating that due to a medical condition you are unable to work nights is sufficient.