Switching shifts....when it isn't your choice

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey everyone--

Kind of in a predicament here. I am a new nurse and have been working nights for the past 3 months. I was hired for full time nights, have oriented on nights, and am due to come off orientation in 2 weeks. YAY! Today, I found out that I may be shipped out to day shift. There is apparently a staffing issue on day shift and they need extra help. Another new nurse on nights has already been told she has to go to days, and she was really really unhappy with this decision. She was told that she may need to move to days, and it was official 3 days later. I am now in her situation as well. I find out in the next few days if my move to days is official. I am guessing it is 99% a done deal that I am day shift bound.

I am kind of torn about this. I am a night person, always have been. I am thrilled to work overnight. I only applied for night shift new grad positions because I want to work nights. I finally have a routine and sleep schedule in place that allows me to feel rested yet enjoy my days off and not play sleep catch up. I will lose a HUGE shift diff going to days, as in a monthly loss of several hundred dollars. :eek:

Additionally, I will be extending my orientation by 2 weeks. I have to orient to the day shift routine/procedures so it will be 6 extra orienting shifts. This isn't a huge deal really, but I was so excited that I got to make my first schedule as a solo RN that was to start the end of September. Now that is all gone.....I will be filling in gaps of shifts others cannot or do not want until the November schedule.

I am really trying to stay positive about this. Sadly, aside from the fact that I have a job, I cannot find many benefits to this move. I am told that when a night shift opening comes up again I have first dibs at it, and that it may only be 3-4 months, but there are no guarantees. I realize there is a pecking order and first come first serve. I just feel like I am getting the raw end of the deal here. Because when the time comes that night shift does come open, I am going to be required to go back to it since I was hired nights--which is great, but I have no clue when it is going to happen, so it kinda makes any kind of long term planning or scheduling difficult. I want to just stay on nights and not have to flip flop around and sacrifice the money I was making. I feel like I have zero control and that is kind of scary.

Thoughts anyone? Just needed to vent a little here. :)

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1. Remind them that you were hired specifically for nights and if they want you to work days they must still pay you the expected night shift differential.

2. Tell them you want it in writing that you will continue to receive the shift diff.

3. Tell them you also want it in writing that you will do days until a specific date, then back to nights.

If they threaten you, ask the manager what she would if she were in your position.

It is usually more difficult to hire for days than for nights, I am surprised they are doing is.

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Specializes in OB-L&D, Post partum, Nursery.

I have never seen this problem in my 16 years, where I work, everyone wants day shift! I am like you, love nights, everyone is much more calm about things, much less drama. Isn't there someone on nights currently who wants to work days?

Whatever happens, just remember, you can do anything for 3 or 4 months. Make it clear you prefer nights and do the best job for your patients, no matter what. I was silly enough to take a director position so I don't get a choice about when I work, and yes, it's mainly days. Oh well, it's worth it to make a difference :)

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Specializes in ER.

I understand your need to vent here, but if this were me, I wouldn't say anything to management other than that I want to return to night shift as soon as available. Since you're new there, they are still forming their opinion of you. Fair or not, they may decide you are whiny/not a team player if you argue too much.

Also, some day in the far off future, you're gonna want that day shift - I promise you :cool:

I too was a night owl and loved 7p for 6 or 7 years, but it takes it's toll on everyone eventually. I've gone to half nights and half days and am poised ready to pounce on the first 7a that comes open!

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
1. Remind them that you were hired specifically for nights and if they want you to work days they must still pay you the expected night shift differential.

2. Tell them you want it in writing that you will continue to receive the shift diff.

3. Tell them you also want it in writing that you will do days until a specific date, then back to nights.

If they threaten you, ask the manager what she would if she were in your position.

It is usually more difficult to hire for days than for nights, I am surprised they are doing is.

This might be nice, but what state does the OP work in? I am in an "at will state" and if I pulled this kind of threatoning bull, especially just out of orientation, I would be shown the door. My advise, take the day position but make sure they know that you want to go back to nights ASAP.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

I too am surprised to see them pull from nights unless days is really, really short. Is nights over staffed?

You can (should?) go to HR, tell your tale, and ask them what the policy is about this, but employers generally have the right to change hours to meet patient care needs & the need of the institution.

They are also most likely to not be under any obligation whatsoever to continue to pay the differential or to guarantee a return date to nights.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

A boss should never mess with A) your pay B) your schedule or C) your home life. Sounds like they are hitting at least two out of three. Tell them you expect to keep your pay rate at least. File a complaint with HR, say that you have IWDDD (inability to work during the day disorder), get it in writing how long this will go on, or tell you boss you don't really want to be a bitter, resentful, employee actively looking for a new job. Best of luck.

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Hearts - - this is not 'threatening bull'. It's called standing up for what is already your job! She probably already has a letter that states what hours she has been hired to work, and at what pay.

While they may be able to change her hours, they have already hired her at a specific pay rate and they should not be allowed to just change it.

The real question here is What is going on during the day shift that they are pulling people from nights??? Very unusual.

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Specializes in I'm too new to have a specialty.

I am in awe? Nights are usually short, and you're being switched from night to day. I cannot believe it. I need to work nights with my family situation, so that would cost me the differential and it would cost me about 400.00+ a month in daycare. I would be looking for another night position, personally.

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Specializes in I'm too new to have a specialty.
This might be nice, but what state does the OP work in? I am in an "at will state" and if I pulled this kind of threatoning bull, especially just out of orientation, I would be shown the door. My advise, take the day position but make sure they know that you want to go back to nights ASAP.

Im at will too, totally true, especially with all the grads out there looking for work? Tough situation.

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Specializes in I'm too new to have a specialty.
Hearts - - this is not 'threatening bull'. It's called standing up for what is already your job! She probably already has a letter that states what hours she has been hired to work, and at what pay.

While they may be able to change her hours, they have already hired her at a specific pay rate and they should not be allowed to just change it.

The real question here is What is going on during the day shift that they are pulling people from nights??? Very unusual.

36 years of experience, Im betting on this answer! BTW, I am a new grad and I have met a nurse with 30 yrs experience and got the privilage to work with her for one day. My word the things she knew and taught me. I may stalk you with questions, beware. lol. Hats off to you!

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I really really appreciate everyones input and advice!!

I agree that this is a unique situation in that most people want day shift. My unit has zero people that want to go to days. And it is based on senority of course. We had 4 day shifters that went prn for school reasons. This is the main reason for the need on day shift.

I am in a at will to work state. And I really hate to rock the boat and tick off my manager. I did make it clear that I want night shift back asap. I would like to do days in a couple of years...I just wanted to pay down student loans a little before taking the pay cut. :-(

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