First job--is this typical?

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2012

It sounds like the floor's scheduling system is definately creating conflict and stress for the nurses. Any time you have employees "leaving in droves" it's a problem. It is common to work both 8 and 12 hour shifts, and it may not be feasible to block them together based on the availability of the staff.

I know that you're a new nurse, and the thought of speaking to your boss about this is probably daunting, but I think that's your best first step. Summarize the problem with a short list of the major ways that the scheduling system is affecting patient care. From your post, a couple of your bullet points could be: continuity of patient care, communication between staff, and employee morale. If possible, give specific examples (such as that patient who complained about how she had a new nurse for four hours) of how this is affecting the patient. Then come up with a few suggestions of how to improve the process, such as switching to all 12's or all 8's or blocking the shifts together: 8 hour shifts are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday and 12's M-Th. This might even improve morale, as most people prefer to have more time off on the weekends.

Ask to sit down with your boss or manager and explain that you have recognized that the current system is creating conflict on the floor. Make sure to mention that you think a new system could improve employee retention and patient satisfaction, as those two things spell money for a hospital. See if your boss is willing to discuss the scheduling and work on a solution. She will probably be impressed with your initiative and desire to improve your workplace.

If it's an issue that the management isn't willing to address at all, and adjustment continues to be an issue for you, I would try to last until your year mark and then seek other employment. I say wait until a year because when you fill out applications that will ask you to list your experience level. Most positions will require at least one year, so you'll have a better chance at finding a different job.

loriangel14, RN · Feb 18, 2012

Where I work itis the same and it did seem confusing at first but now I am used to it.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2012

It sounds like staffing is a huge issue here. Why don't they match up the shifts? A 12 hr takes a 12 hr nurses assignment. That is what a previous hospital did. It was odd to have nurses leave mid shift and new ones come on for 4 hrs, before I left, but there was no picking up pt's mid shift. That is crazy!

Also one CNA for 40 pt's? Wow..I feel sorry for them.

I agree with the other poster. Try to stick it out for a year.

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Feb 18, 2012

I only worked at a hospital for a month since I hated it but it was 3 12's and some weeks of the month 4 12s were required. Also they passed a calendar around and u wrote down what days u wanted to work...if you wanted 3 in a row thats what u picked. You didn't just get some random schedule.

ZenStudent · Feb 18, 2012

Thanks for the comments. They do try to match up 8s with 8s and 12s with 12s but there are just never enough people so we always have to pick people up. I am going to try to stick it out a year and it makes me feel better that some of you are saying this is not the norm. The turnover is insane and almost everyone I know right now is leaving within the next few months for new jobs. This place pulls in new grads and spits them out--almost no one has been here more than a year and there are few people to turn to for good advice.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 18, 2012

Moving to nursing first job assistance.

EmTheNewRN · Apr 27, 2012

Zen, is that the way the whole hospital operates or just your floor?