Help with Poor Mgmt.

[SN2432, RN, NP]

Hello,

I recently moved to Florida and I truly enjoy living here. I accepted a position with a large nonprofit hospital in the ED Observation unit. The unit is small—typically three nurses caring for about six patients each night—and we primarily handle admissions, often four or more per shift.

While the workload itself is manageable, I've been struggling with two issues. The first is scheduling. When I started, I was told the weekend rotation would be at most one shift per week or two weekend shifts every other week. However, my schedule often ends up being Friday one week, followed by both Friday and Saturday the next. In the past three months, this has left me with very little time for family, and at 51, I want to make sure I'm able to enjoy life outside of work as well.

The second challenge has been the culture. Leadership here feels more management-centered than nurse-driven. Communication often comes through constant emails and reminders that feel more critical than supportive, and most of my colleagues on the unit express dissatisfaction with the company—though the day-to-day work itself is not difficult.

I've recently received another job offer with a manager who seems much more supportive of staff and has promised to work with me on scheduling. Has anyone here ever put in their notice around the 90-day mark because they realized a job just wasn't the right fit, even if it was with a major hospital system? I admit the idea is a little intimidating, but I also want to make the right long-term choice.

Polished Personal/Relatable Version

Hello,

I moved to Florida recently and absolutely love it here. I started working at a large nonprofit hospital in the ED Observation unit. It's a small setup—about three nurses and six patients each night—and the work itself isn't hard, mostly admissions (four or more a shift).

The part I'm struggling with is the schedule. I was told weekends would be minimal, but it's turned into working Friday one week and both Friday and Saturday the next. In three months, I haven't had much family time, and honestly, at 51, life feels too short not to enjoy it.

On top of that, the culture is rough. Management feels more focused on rules and emails than supporting nurses, and most of my coworkers are unhappy with the company. The only saving grace is that the actual patient load is manageable.

I just got another job offer where the manager seems pro-nurse, not pro-management, and has promised to work with me on scheduling. Has anyone else ever given notice at 90 days because they knew it wasn't the right fit—even when it was with a big hospital system? I'm nervous about making that move, but also feel like I need to do what's best long-term.

 

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

I have given notice during the 90-day probation period; this period goes both ways, you too can decide this is not a good fit. 

My only advice is that the grass is not necessarily always greener, but I am sure you know that. 

[JKL33]

We each must do what makes the most sense for our personal needs and priorities. 

With that out of the way...

Quote

The only saving grace is that the actual patient load is manageable

Personally I would not underestimate the value of ^ this. Your workload sounds more than manageable. 
 

Managers are often not *less* critical than what you are currently experiencing even in places where the workload is 3x or more than yours. Because there is even more for them to criticize and complain about when nurses are overworked. In your situation, the possibility of changing to a position with 3-4x the workload and still having to deal with petty nonsense criticisms is real. 
 

If it were me I would base any decision to leave primarily on how much this weekend issue is bothering you and whether or not you can speak with them and come to any satisfactory compromise about it. Unless your management is downright evil I wouldn't make their pettiness my main issue. You WILL find ridiculous criticisms everywhere and it becomes 100% intolerable when you are being criticized while also being run completely ragged due to workload. 
 

 

[LightMac10]

Definitely go to the right fit. I just trained an older nurse into our company, and he was NOT happy about working many weekends. As an older person, you have priorities and values that you know that you shouldn't compromise on. If it doesn't fit, leave-- don't drag your heels! 

Family is here, the hospital will replace you.