Got An Offer For Dayshift But Was Asked To Work Nightshift

[yoon519]

I newly moved to the states and don't understand what I am going through.

I got an offer for day shift nurse and have been waiting to start working.

First, my start date has been pushed to 6weeks later due to a lack of preceptors. I understand this situation. 

And I got a call yesterday and they are asking me to start working nightshift first since they are currently understaffed during night. 

But I don't think it is right to say OK because I was hired day shift nurse and no one know when things will get better. And honestly, I don't think I would have applied if the position was nightshift. 

So I am wondering if this is common and how other nurses think about this.
Please give me any ideas and advice! 

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

I would be more concerned about the 6 week delay due to being short-staffed and not having preceptors.  That in itself if a HUGE warning sign.  Then to bait and switch?  RUN!

[RN2B21, ASN, RN]

I’d be searching for another position ASAP, at least, if you can afford to take some more time to keep looking. That’s super shady to be hired for days and then be told out of nowhere, that nope, you’re on nights instead. I think it just sets the table for the employer to continue to use you and lie about future things. It’s sad that hospitals are apparently doing this, nonetheless. But absolutely, I’d be saying “nope” and run for the hills. 

[HiddenAngels]

Agree with all those that came before me..

what a crock smh

[Mty69]

A similar situation happened to me. I was in a  residency program for the first two months when they asked me to move to Night Shift. Although I was reluctant because I am a daytime person and I had never worked night shift in my entire life, I agreed. I loved it for the first four weeks although my body would not allow me to sleep any more than four hours during the day. I also had a difficult time sleeping at night on my days off. Well, needless to say two months later maxing out on four hours sleep on workdays and six hours on non workdays eventually took a toll on my overall circadian rhythm. I gave my letter of resignation and it was the best thing I could have done. In the meantime, hospitals know that you will go and work elsewhere so their goal is to keep you with their facility. They usually have a placement coordinator who can help get you into another residency of your liking. Contact your residency educator first to see how they can help. They can pass your info directly to the placement coordinator. I know this from experience.
 

Choose wisely. I wish you the best!

[Julie RN retired CDE]

Yes, day shift jobs are hard to find. Sometimes I think they put you on night shift on trial bases to see if are a good fit. 

I agreed to take a weekend option day shift. It meant working every weekend, but it was on days. Many places offer weekend options, or you can ask them if they would consider it.

Worked well for me.

[bunnyacRN, BSN, RN]

As a manager before I officially start an interview I’m clear on which shift I’m hiring for! My facility doesn’t support a “bait and switch” philosophy! I would find another position, this manager lacks veracity and a respect for autonomy! Run as fast as you can! 

[BeenThere2012, ASN, RN]

On 7/12/2022 at 9:07 AM, Wuzzie said:

It's called a "bait and switch" and is a known tactic in hospitals. If you agree to do it there is a good chance you won't get switched back to days. If you need the job you can try getting in writing the time frame for you to go to day shift but don't be surprised if they won't do it. But like JKL said, day shift positions can be hard to find so if you need a job you might end up having to work nights. However, I'd rather work for an employer who is up front about it and not one who is trying to scam you.

Bait and Switch happened to me and several others hired at the same time.  The position was for PICU, but we all worked Peds Med-Surg about 90% of the time.  As is the case with most hospital nursing positions, we knew we were expected to float on occasion when needed, but this situation obviously was that they actually didn’t need much coverage for PICU, and wanted nurses who COULD work PICU, but intended us to actually cover med-surg.  In addition, their union went on strike a few months later.  We were used!

[yoon519]

Thank you all for sharing your experience and advice! 

Today, I was able to meet some nurses who are going to the same unit with me. 
Funny thing I found is all new hired nurses for the unit were told the same thing. 
All of us were hired as day shift nurses but changed to night shift!! 

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

That employer is unethical. Not a good place to start. I hope you can continue to search for  a decent employer.

[payitforward]

I agree with every comment! It’s a bait and switch and if you don’t stick to your guns, they will bounce you around to suit their needs. Soooo, no preceptors for day shift but they have one available for night shift? How convenient! My precious employer attempted to do the same with me. I told her that night shift was not in my availability, (and it wasn’t- I haven’t worked nights in YEARS!) she told me it’s simple and I told her “ I’m sure it will be for whoever you get to come in”. She was mad but someone came in. Besides, do you want to work for an employer who is dishonest? Stick to your availability!

[JKL33]

On 7/28/2022 at 11:00 PM, yoon519 said:

Funny thing I found is all new hired nurses for the unit were told the same thing. 
All of us were hired as day shift nurses but changed to night shift!! 

Find a different position then tell this one you are resigning since the position for which they hired you is not available.

BYE.

[Wildflower222]

Sorry you are going through this - but definitely stick to your guns. It would be one thing if they were transparent from the start about only having night shift, but that's obviously not the case. Good luck!