head nurse interview

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renerian, BSN, RN

5,693 Posts

Specializes in MS Home Health.

Thanks Jemb. One of my friends said the same thing about bait and switch. I am keeping my options open at this point.

Thanks for replying and giving your input,

renerian

Going80INA55

142 Posts

Sorry, I just saw your thread.

It sounds like a bait and switch to me as well.

I also am curious how they would know they need you to fill in for 6 months. Seems strange.

Maybe that is why the post has been open for a year.

I hope after all you went through to get the job, that they will come back with a satisfactory reply.

GOOD LUCK

Gardengal

146 Posts

Renerian,

I'd say you have until Friday 8/29 to get this settled well. As you know, we celebrate Labor Day next Monday 9/1 and you are scheduled to start tour new job Tuesday. The new position sounds to me as just that....LABOR (and for more than just the celebratory day)

The information I would be looking for is this:

If they believe that you need to work 6 months night shift, what is their rationale? Do they believe that there is a significant threat on the night shift causing turnover which would lead them to think that a manager should be there for 6 months? Why this time frame?

To me it seems absurd that they would say that you would need to work 6 months nights-beore you even start....really bad message about their perception of your role......what is the shift differential for nights? Your margin between staff and you was pretty narrow to begin with. I imagine that placing you in a staff night position will decrease your credibility with your staff, unless you have defined time frames for staffing in a crisis.

For example: 2 months orientation to the floor on days sounded overboard to begin with. Now they want 6 months nights? I believe that an orientation to your position should include a few staff shifts so that you can see how they do things. However, they are clearly placing you in a staff role by telling you those time frames without giving you the decision to do so. Since you have bakground in this specialty, I find it hard to believe that you would need 2 months staff orientation, let alone 6 on nights.

If, when you question them they say that there is a major night shift problem causing turnover-I could see them wanting you to do some nights to figure itout. It is unreasonable to expect you to also do daytime meetings. Now and again is one thing but the expectation as stated is a disaster waiting to happen.

You can not be a leader of the staff if administration is using you as a staffing solution before you even get there. That is an omen of the future...do you choose to live that future?

It sounds like the position was vacant for so long for a very good reason. An administration expecting that of a manager does not sound like one that would be supportive of you or your ideals.

I'm sorry Renerian. Typically I try to present varying points for discussion for decisions. I am finding it impossible to figure out any reasonable motivation for them to place this expectation upon you. I believe that you would be set up for failure in this situation and would recommend that you politely decline this position as one which was misrepresented.

Good Luck!

Gardengal

renerian, BSN, RN

5,693 Posts

Specializes in MS Home Health.

Thanks Gardengal. I have talked at length with my hubby and he thinks they are just putting me on nights to fill a hole. I guess two people has quit a short time ago, both on nights. There is no diff for me being considered management in working nights. The salary I agreed was for days with doing meetings or helping during shortage times but not six months?

I left another message with the unit manager to call me. Thanks going for your input as well.

renerian

Gardengal

146 Posts

Renerian,

I was wondering what transpired in your conversation with the unit manager. Did she answer your questions to your satisfaction? Did they offer alternatives? Are you starting a new job on Tuesday?

I hope that you have had your questions and concerns answered, and that you feel good with your decisions. Have a great holiday weekend!

Gardengal

llg, PhD, RN

13,469 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I'm sorry I have been away from this thread for a few days. ...

And I am certainly sorry to hear that your new boss is already trying to take advantage of you, Renerian! Having "been around the block" a few times myself, this sounds very ominous to me. I would only take the job if your role and compensation were clarified and resolved in a way you can live.

I was once in a position in which I was salaried, yet asked to cover for short staffing on a unit that was constantly under-staffed. It required me to work 2 or 3 full shifts a week in addition to my "office" duties. I was able to negotiate that my "hole filling" hours would be scheduled for late in the week (on a kind'a prn, if needed basis) and that I would be overtime for them even though I was salaried for my regular job. So I was paid my regular salary for the first few days of the week, but then would work an extra shift or two at the end of the week that were paid as staff. It worked -- because it kept the 2 aspects of my job completely separate -- and I made LOTS of money, but I couldn't have kept it up for more than a couple of months.

Please let us know what happens.

Take care,

llg

renerian, BSN, RN

5,693 Posts

Specializes in MS Home Health.

llg and gardengal,

I have been out of town helping the inlaws move or I would have posted earlier. According to the unit manager director I cannot be in the computer as salaried and hourly, only one or the other. I guess there is no compromise as I have to work and fill in holes on the floor on nights and be there during the day. SSSSoooooo I am mauling it over now.

Thanks for your input,

renerian

Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.

If this is how they begin their relationship with you, and as we all know, we always put our best face forward, I wonder how they will treat you in a year.

renerian, BSN, RN

5,693 Posts

Specializes in MS Home Health.

Good point geek.

renerian

renerian, BSN, RN

5,693 Posts

Specializes in MS Home Health.

After much negotiation I am going to start on the 15th with training as we first agreed. The nights for many moons, LOL, was tossed out.

renerian

Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.
Originally posted by renerian

After much negotiation I am going to start on the 15th with training as we first agreed. The nights for many moons, LOL, was tossed out.

renerian

so you will not be required to work their night shift position, well thank goodness. just watch out for other ways they may take advantage of you. it's good to work hard and show initiative in a management position and to have some leeway, but what they were asking you was just not right.

you go chica!

Tweety, BSN, RN

34,250 Posts

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
Originally posted by renerian

After much negotiation I am going to start on the 15th with training as we first agreed. The nights for many moons, LOL, was tossed out.

renerian

Good for you. Good luck!

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