How do I tell my boss I want to change from full to part-time?

Girlafraid13 · Nov 21, 2014

I plan on having the same talk with my scheduler soon. Pretty much let them know that next semester is going to be very demanding and would like to stay with the company but unfortunately will only be able to do so by going part time.

guest769224 · Nov 21, 2014

Just say that.

School is approaching and you need to cut back on hours in order to be successful.

Should be easy breezy.

ponymom · Nov 22, 2014

"Boss, I want to change from 3 12s to 2 12s".

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 22, 2014

"Boss, I want to change from 3 12s to 2 12s".

Yes, this. Nothing earth shattering needs to be said. "Hi Nurse Manager, I would like to drop my hours from 36 to 24 for the next schedule." That's it.

ETA: None of us can say how your manager will react. When I worked in the hospital, no one was given a problem when they wanted to decrease their hours. They were always warned, however, that should they want to increase them back there was no guarantee that the hours would be available.

rnforforty · Nov 22, 2014

I think I would also put it in writing.

nurset4835 · Nov 23, 2014

Thank you so much for your reply! After reading other posts discussing an issue like this, I became concerned that my manager would be upset considering I have not worked there for long and they put money and effort into training new grads. Plus, would it affect my ability to say I have one year's experience in MedSurg? I really appreciate your time!

nurset4835 · Nov 23, 2014

At my hospital, they say they have a waiting list of applicants and I feel as though saying you can only stay if part-time is available miiiiight make them say "too bad" if there's not a position open? Just looking at all sides!

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2014

Thank you so much for your reply! After reading other posts discussing an issue like this, I became concerned that my manager would be upset considering I have not worked there for long and they put money and effort into training new grads. Plus, would it affect my ability to say I have one year's experience in MedSurg? I really appreciate your time!

No. A year is a year. If you have worked there for a year, you have a year's experience. Years of experience does not equal years of full-time experience. It's not like someone who's been a nurse for 20 years but only works 20 hrs/week only has 10 years experience. Certification exams do often require the equivalent of a year or two of full-time experience so if you plan on getting anything like that you might have to wait a little longer.

Aurora77 · Nov 23, 2014

At my hospital, they say they have a waiting list of applicants and I feel as though saying you can only stay if part-time is available miiiiight make them say "too bad" if there's not a position open? Just looking at all sides!

Unfortunately, that's how my hospital works. Want to go part time or PRN? You have to apply for that open position. If there's not an official open position, our director can't just change your status.

caliotter3 · Nov 23, 2014

You have been working around your supervisor, so you should have some idea how they will react. Actually, how they react should have no bearing on your decision. If you have to decrease your hours, you have to decrease your hours. I would insure that by decreasing your hours you are not jeopardizing your position. It would be a shame if the employer decided to get rid of you after or before hiring someone else who is willing to do 36 versus 24 hours. That is entirely possible in an at will employment state. Something to consider.

Techy214 · Nov 24, 2014

Yes our manager will not necessarily allow you to drop your hours unless it's a dire situation. She has the power to do it but she will inform you that there is no position available for part time staff and suggest you work as required