New grad quitting after 6 months?

cleback · Aug 23, 2018

You can ask and see what kind of reaction your manager has. I don't know your home situation... all I know raising a family solo is tough... so no judgment from me. Do what you feel is best for your family. If you do decide to look for a clinic job, I would try to stick out your current job for at least a year.

brownbook · Aug 23, 2018

Within reason remember the saying that kids are resilient has a lot of truth to it. How old is your son? Do you, his teachers, or babysitters notice any changes in his activities or personality? Do you have regular babysitters who gueniunly like your son and he likes them? Can you do some good " therapeutic" listening and tell your son you want to know what he thinks about mommy not being home.

Are you working 40 hour weeks? Can you work less hours?

It is very appropriate to talk to your boss about the options of different shifts or hours. Working every Friday Saturday is a good option.

If your boss can't help you give yourself and your son a year to adjust to your new job and hours before making any big changes.

allnurses Guide · Aug 23, 2018

Always approach your boss before you throw in the towel and see if they can work with you.

That being said, if they cannot, working a different area of nursing will not be the end of your career. You probably will not make as much money at a clinic job, so keep that in the back of your mind and make sure you can afford the pay and benefits cut.

Sour Lemon · Aug 24, 2018

I am a new grad who felt very grateful to get a days/evenings position at a large urban teaching hospital that happens to be the only Level I Trauma Center in my area. The benefits are great and so are my coworkers and management. After a few years I can work straight days and every 3rd weekend, and eventually after 20 years every 4th weekend with no holidays. We also have a limit of 4 patients and our CNAs are very helpful. The pay is great too.
...okay, now that I'm writing all that out, I'm remembering why I took this job in the first place, especially as a new grad. I still feel very grateful.
However, switching from days to evenings is killing me. I know I sound like a wimp. I am a single mom trying to juggle the weekends and evenings with being a mom, and I'm concerned it's having a negative effect on my son. I may have overestimated my ability to juggle single motherhood and unsociable hours.
Is it okay for me to switch to a clinic after only having worked there for 6 months? Or should I tough it out for another 6 months? Do any of you have opinions on how these hours affect our kids?
ALSO: Is it okay for me to ask my boss to work every Friday and Saturday 12 hour shifts? This way I could at least have some reliability in my schedule. Is that too pushy?

What are your ultimate goals? Clinic jobs may be harder to come by and often pay less. Are you OK with those realities? You may find it difficult to break back into acute care if you decide you want to pursue it in the future ...so again, ask yourself if you're OK with that. If you are, start looking for your new job. The one you have does sound pretty good, though!

It's OK to ask for any shifts you want. And if you prefer to work on days that other people prefer not to, you might get lucky. Chances are they can't guarantee you anything, though.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 24, 2018

I think that your idea to work every Friday and Saturday to provide consistency is a good idea -- definitely worth asking your boss about before making a big decision to quit. In some hospitals, Fridays and Saturdays are hard to staff and your boss may be really grateful to have you volunteer for those days. And as you have surmised, consistency may be very helpful for your personal life needs.

I would definitely talk to your boss and try to find some way to make this work. It sounds like you have a good job with good people and good prospects for the long term. Those jobs are not common. I wouldn't throw that away lightly. Maybe you and your son may just need a little time to work out.

Have Nurse, ADN, RN · Aug 24, 2018

Within reason remember the saying that kids are resilient has a lot of truth to it. How old is your son? Do you, his teachers, or babysitters notice any changes in his activities or personality? Do you have regular babysitters who gueniunly like your son and he likes them? Can you do some good " therapeutic" listening and tell your son you want to know what he thinks about mommy not being home.
Are you working 40 hour weeks? Can you work less hours?
It is very appropriate to talk to your boss about the options of different shifts or hours. Working every Friday Saturday is a good option.
If your boss can't help you give yourself and your son a year to adjust to your new job and hours before making any big changes.

Kids are resilient if they are young enough.

Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 26, 2018

I am a new grad who felt very grateful to get a days/evenings position at a large urban teaching hospital that happens to be the only Level I Trauma Center in my area. The benefits are great and so are my coworkers and management. After a few years I can work straight days and every 3rd weekend, and eventually after 20 years every 4th weekend with no holidays. We also have a limit of 4 patients and our CNAs are very helpful. The pay is great too.
...okay, now that I'm writing all that out, I'm remembering why I took this job in the first place, especially as a new grad. I still feel very grateful.
However, switching from days to evenings is killing me. I know I sound like a wimp. I am a single mom trying to juggle the weekends and evenings with being a mom, and I'm concerned it's having a negative effect on my son. I may have overestimated my ability to juggle single motherhood and unsociable hours.
Is it okay for me to switch to a clinic after only having worked there for 6 months? Or should I tough it out for another 6 months? Do any of you have opinions on how these hours affect our kids?
ALSO: Is it okay for me to ask my boss to work every Friday and Saturday 12 hour shifts? This way I could at least have some reliability in my schedule. Is that too pushy?

1.your job sounds quite good.

2. How old is the child-what they can adapt to depends on their age.And you want to be there for many reasons.

3.As a single parent,your financial situation is serious and any loss of income can be significant.

4.Leaving the inpatient for a clinic position might be difficult to return to in the future,but not impossible.

5.Weigh decision carefully,offer the weekend gig to your manager and if you can not get different hours ,and you can cut back on living expenses take the clinic and be happy with your child,just remember to live within your means,get short time disability insurance , so you cover your self.

Be a happy Mommy