How to approach my manager??

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Feb 18, 2008

Your manager shouldn't take it as a big deal if shes any kind of manager. Just let her know that should an opening come up for days you would like to take it because of ......... They won't just come right out and ask if you have never shown an interest. And if you tell her your reasons then at least in the back of her head she can remember what you told her and she just won't give it to someone else without some thought first....They don't know till you tell them

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Feb 18, 2008

I would simply speak to her about your desire to move to day shift. She should't have a problem with you....all she can say is yes or no. If she says no, start putting in applications elsewhere. Then when you have a position lined up, go to her again and tell her you have a day shift job someplace else, but would like to stay with your current unit, on day shift. Then see what happens.

rnwaller · Feb 18, 2008

I am hopeful that you have enough repore with your manager that this discussion should not be a big deal. In my opinion, no need to tell your personal story, just express an interest in moving to day shift.

Is there a day shift position posted? Is it your hospitals policy to post in house positions to employees first? Where are these postings?

Day shift usually has a different 'flavor' than evenings or nights - be sure you want to make the move, and remember you may also loose evening differential.

fronkey bean · Feb 18, 2008

I don't know how it works elsewhere but here my manager keeps a running list of night shifters who want to go to days and as a slot opens the one who has the most senority gets it. It shouldn't matter why you want to go to day shift, there are dozens of reasons people changed shifts or depts. just tell her you want to transfer next time and opening is available and find out if you need to fill out a form, it should be that simple.

Batman24 · Feb 18, 2008

Short and sweet...you'd like to move to day shift. Period. You don't need to tell her why. Let her know you'd like to move ASAP.

rn4ever? · Feb 18, 2008

It happened to me before.....I just left her a sincere and polite note that I preferred the 7am-7pm shift than the 3-11pm shift and then when I saw that she was free, I spoke to her about it and gave her a short and simple explanation why.

Okay, advice please! I've been working second shift for several years now, and I'm getting really tired of the hours. I want to go to first, but I don't know how to approach my boss about it. A very good friend of mine just went from second to first, and I'm afraid that my boss will think I just want to go to first because my friend did.
Truth is, I've been thinking about it for awhile. I have lots of reasons, but how much detail should I go into when I talk to her? I'm getting to the point where, if my hours don't change soon, I'm going to find a new job. I don't think I should tell her that because I don't want to sound like I am threatening to quit if I don't get what I want, but I also want her to take me seriously. I don't want to sound like I'm whining, either. I know I won't get to change shifts right away, but I've never taked to her about anything like this before. I want to tell her I want to talk to her privately, because she tends to sort of freak out about stuff like this in front of everyone. But I don't want her to think something bad is going on. Any pointers? Any managers out there? What would you like to hear? Thanks for reading!!!!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Feb 18, 2008

What does it matter what she thinks is your motivation? The real issue is that you want a change. If she cannot provide it, then look elsewhere.