Got switched to night shift, without my knowledge!!!

[ChinUp]

So, yesterday I found out that I will be doing night shift once my orientation ends!

Here's my long story: I interviewed for my job in the first week of June. A week later I got a call from my supervisor offering a job on DAYS. I can confirm this because I let everyone in my family to listen to my voicemail because I was so excited since this is my first real job. When I went in for my New Hire appointment and signed papers, HR gave me a paper to sign outligning my salary and it showed the daytime rate. So I never questioned whether I'm days or nights.

Orientation week comes and I meet the other three new grads that are also going to be in my unit. To my surprise, they are all signed up for nights. Their new hire papers also show the night differential.

After three weeks of hospital orientation I had my unit orientation yesterday and the nurse educator for my floor informs me that to her knowledge we are ALL scheduled for nights. Then one of my new coworkers exclaims: "HA, and you thought you were exempt" By this time I felt very embarassed, because I've been telling everyone that I'm days, even the nurses at my floor.

So I approach my supervisor and she confirms that she did schedule me for nights because thats where she has a shortage. I tell her that if I'm not mistaken, I was offered a day job and even HR had the same information! She said that HR made a mistake!! I couldnt make her listen to the voicemail that she left me because its already been deleted (my voicemail only keeps messages for a certain time). I didnt want to argue with my boss that she's mistaken because I dont want to come off as being difficult. She then asks if I've been making plans for a day job, and of course I said YES, then she gives me that look. It was like a squirm that showed "hey that sucks then"

I mean i'm pretty sure she said days, my family also confirms that they heard her say days. And what are the chances that even HR can have their information wrong, but get their info right for the three other new grads!!

I feel really really embarassed. When the nurse educator introduced us to the clinical nurse specialist she mentioned that we are all nights and one of my coworkers said "thats awsome." I've also told all my classmates that are also working in the same hospital that I'm working days. I feel like a liar and an impostor.

Anyways, I am NOT a night person. I've never done a night shift. Our orientation is 6 months long and we are being trained on days for the first 90 days and then we get switched to nights. Last night, I've convinced my self that it will be allright and I can do this. BUT what bothers me the most is that I hate not being able to prove that I was right and they are the ones that made the mistake.

I know I should have made a better argument but I didnt stand up for myself. I just accepted it and didnt fight for it. But at the same time I didnt want to cause trouble since I'm new.

But to my supervisors credit, she did say that after my 6month orientation period I can file for a transfer once I'm deemed ready for days.

I dont know, maybe I'm just blowing this out of proportion. I feel really bummed right now.

What do you guys think I should have done?? I need ADVICE and a few kind words.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Given the fact that new nurses need as much support and optimal working conditions as possible, and given the fact that you didn't choose nights and you may not be at your best on that shift, you might want to draw up a list of pros and cons and decide from there.

You might try negotiating with your manager and show her the papers from HR and talk to her about your impression that this was a day shift job, so at least you can get it in writing that you'd be the first up for a day shift opening, even if it came up during orientation.

Did you talk to HR about this problem? Outline what happened and why you thought you were day shift, and ask for their suggestions on possible options for this situation.

Just a couple of ideas thrown out there for you. Hope that helps.

[barbaratruth, RN]

I'm presently in orientation on a day shift. I was told my job is on the day shift.

I have a feeling I am going to nights after my orientation ends and that this has been the plan all along, with me being the last to know. No one has said anything to me officially, but I keep hearing from other nurses at the hospital say "you got a day shift?" I think there are union rules that have people with more seniority getting opportunities for day shifts. I'm choosing to go with the flow.

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

So, yesterday I found out that I will be doing night shift once my orientation ends!

I feel really really embarassed. When the nurse educator introduced us to the clinical nurse specialist she mentioned that we are all nights and one of my coworkers said "thats awsome." I've also told all my classmates that are also working in the same hospital that I'm working days. I feel like a liar and an impostor.

I don't know why you feel like a liar or imposter because a person only lies with the intentions of lying. You were telling the truth because that is what you were told. I wouldn't worry about it. You didn't lie, nor or you an imposter, you were simply told you were working days. I love nights. You may find that you like it better, who knows?

[linda2097]

I recommend you do nights for one year and then switch to day shift. If they do not let you switch to days, take your one year of experience and get a job at a different hospital. They screwed you, so you can screw them after you get your experience.

It will look bad on your resume if you leave before a year of work.