getting pushed out

[karabug]

I've been working at a small hospital for a year, as a fulltime RN on a 28 bed med-surg unit. Census has been down lately & I have been asked to take one day/week off- and, since I don't have seniority, I agreed. In the past month they have hired several part time RNs. What's making me feel "pushed out" is the fact that on my day off they are using these part time RNs who DON'T have seniority to work my shift & my unit. In addition, I have also been asked to take additional days off as needed- during those times they have used at least one of these part time nurses. My evaluation was great & I rec'd a raise. I have rec'd no feedback from my nurse manager as to why she's scheduling me this way, other than "census is low" and am now considering talking to the DON. Any advice?

[anononurse]

I've noticed most healthcare facilities are not run like businesses. If they were, they would realize that hiring part time staff during a low census time is not cost effective. Unfortunately, it causes competition amongst staff & low morale- for which they'll ding you & take your raise away. (see how it works? we're to put up & shut up- don't ask questions!) During low census times I have seen a hiring freeze go into effect- as well as freezing raises for a period of time-- most full time staff I work with w/prefer those things & working a little harder if need be, rather than having to take a whole day off so a new hire can work!! Instead admin. whines about occ. OT when in reality it's costing them more in the long run to hire extra staff, pay them vacation & sick time, pay for ACLS, give them raises, & sometimes benefits. Go figure.

[Nurse80sbaby]

Some facilities are experimenting with using a higher percentage of part time staff. I've heard it's changed dramatically at one of the facilities near me. No benefits what so ever. Unfortunately people will always take these positions, ending up needing to work at a few different facilities to make a living and buying their own insurance. What sucks is, you are expected to carry the entire deal as would a full time employee, off hours meetings... silly employee development sh*** too. Then there's always those who think a normal full time position will materialize for them if they work extra hard that these facilities know they can rely on.

Yep, I agree 100%, it is happening to me right now. I didnt have a job and had to take something for now. They are expecting me to work every single weekend without any benefits. I can get PTO but that will be slim to none. I am greatful for a job but this is crazy. There is another job I am considering that will only be PRN (maybe with enough jobs I can afford to buy insurance) and they dont want to pay for training. A lot of jobs are taking advantage of the fact that jobs are scarce in some areas. Its only gonna get worse. My friends who work in local hospitals are having the same problems as the OP. They have to float to other units or go home. It is a really bad time right now. Hope things turn around sooner than later.