How long is your shift?

MJB2010 · Nov 8, 2011

Thanks for the support. I can't afford to quit until I find something else, and I am not sure how long I can keep this up before I crack. Ugh.

leannv · Dec 3, 2011

I've been working in Dialysis for 5 years now, and it is a hard job with long hours, and short staff. We work three 13-15 hour days a week. I'm always exhausted and cannot work two days in a row. We put our first patient on at 6 am and usually and leave approx. 8-8:30 pm. The patients keep coming in but the staff keeps leaving. The techs act like you owe them, and want you to help them do their job and the nurse is left after the techs and patients go home getting her job done. Now don't get me wrong I believe in helping and teamwork, but I feel like my team has deserted me when I help them and I'm the one left doing my job because I got behind helping them do their job. It is a hard job with non-compliant pts, and management who is just concered with the almighty dollar. Good luck with the job search. I feel your frustration.

MJB2010 · Dec 3, 2011

I've been working in Dialysis for 5 years now, and it is a hard job with long hours, and short staff. We work three 13-15 hour days a week. I'm always exhausted and cannot work two days in a row. We put our first patient on at 6 am and usually and leave approx. 8-8:30 pm. The patients keep coming in but the staff keeps leaving. The techs act like you owe them, and want you to help them do their job and the nurse is left after the techs and patients go home getting her job done. Now don't get me wrong I believe in helping and teamwork, but I feel like my team has deserted me when I help them and I'm the one left doing my job because I got behind helping them do their job. It is a hard job with non-compliant pts, and management who is just concered with the almighty dollar. Good luck with the job search. I feel your frustration.

Your clinic sounds just like mine, except we DO have to work back to back days it is awful!! I have 2 interviews next week, one is for a hopsital position and one is for home health. I have such a feeling of desperation I am hoping something works out. My clinic manager could care less if anytghing happens to one of us. It is a sad state of affairs when the money outweighs the wellbeing of patients and staff.

TXRN2 · Dec 4, 2011

the thing i don't understand about our clinic- we are constantly understaffed- turnover rate is ridiculous- the amount of $ paid out for overtime has to be phenomenol- so it can't be all about the almighty $- or mgmt would try to control overtime. they are very callous & uncaring. the job is brutal- the patients deserve so much better!

FransBevy · Dec 10, 2011

TXRN2, I agree with you on the overtime pay. It CAN"T be cheaper to staff a place with overtimers and temp nurses. One of our temp staff was getting 2 1/2 times my base pay and it's not like we have high and low census days or weeks. The staff turnover is incredibly high so you have to wonder.

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Dec 11, 2011

Your clinic sounds just like mine, except we DO have to work back to back days it is awful!! I have 2 interviews next week, one is for a hopsital position and one is for home health. I have such a feeling of desperation I am hoping something works out. My clinic manager could care less if anytghing happens to one of us. It is a sad state of affairs when the money outweighs the wellbeing of patients and staff.

MJB, how did the interviews go? Any luck?

MJB2010 · Dec 12, 2011

Thanks for asking Guttercat! I actually have a few more scheduled. So far one was not a good fit, a hospital position. Then the Home Health lady stood me up and we have rescheduled. I interviewed at another hospital and I am awaiting an offer, she said end of this week or so but it is a floor that is new to me so I am a little aprehensive. I also got a call for another hospital that is CLOSE TO HOME!!! I am calling her back tomorrow to schedule, hopefully I can get that interview done before the other offer comes through. I really think it is my top choice. Cross your figners for me! So now it is looking like there will be a new job in my near future!

Of course, working 15 hours tomorrow, and then another 13 ish on Tues so by Wednesday I'll be begging for a new job. lol.

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2011

Thanks for asking Guttercat! I actually have a few more scheduled. So far one was not a good fit, a hospital position. Then the Home Health lady stood me up and we have rescheduled. I interviewed at another hospital and I am awaiting an offer, she said end of this week or so but it is a floor that is new to me so I am a little aprehensive. I also got a call for another hospital that is CLOSE TO HOME!!! I am calling her back tomorrow to schedule, hopefully I can get that interview done before the other offer comes through. I really think it is my top choice. Cross your figners for me! So now it is looking like there will be a new job in my near future!
Of course, working 15 hours tomorrow, and then another 13 ish on Tues so by Wednesday I'll be begging for a new job. lol.

Good for you for taking the bull by the horns and changing what is an unhealthy life/work situation.

I think most of us care about doing a great job, and care about our patients a great deal. A person needs to be fresh, rested and ready to get up and do what we do every day. Sure, a few lengthy shifts here and there are to be expected with the territory, but getting beat up day after day is a lose-lose for patients and staff.

Good luck on getting that position close to home. If it's a good fit, having work close by will be a bonus for sure. Keep us posted, we're hoping for good news!

statnie · Jan 11, 2012

i used to work the MWF schedule, and i got there at 545am, and left at 915 pm...so yes...we have long days. i switched to nights though...much better for me.

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Jan 12, 2012

MJB,

Any luck on a new position???

MJB2010 · Jan 12, 2012

Yes!! I accepted the first offer I got out of desperation and gave my two weeks notice. The new position will not start for almost a month. In the meantime I have had 2 great interviews for a position I am REALLY hoping makes me an offer before my other start date. They had me do 2 interviews and shadow, so hoping for the best. I also have another interview on Friday for another hospital, but that one is a long shot. My clinic is going downhill fast, and my last shift was over 16 hours. They just keep admitting new patients without the wherewithall to hire more staff to care for them. Everyone is burnt out and making mistakes, and people are doing the bare minimum to get by. Not a good place to be I am very thankful to be leaving!

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Jan 12, 2012

Yes!! I accepted the first offer I got out of desperation and gave my two weeks notice. The new position will not start for almost a month. In the meantime I have had 2 great interviews for a position I am REALLY hoping makes me an offer before my other start date. They had me do 2 interviews and shadow, so hoping for the best. I also have another interview on Friday for another hospital, but that one is a long shot. My clinic is going downhill fast, and my last shift was over 16 hours. They just keep admitting new patients without the wherewithall to hire more staff to care for them. Everyone is burnt out and making mistakes, and people are doing the bare minimum to get by. Not a good place to be I am very thankful to be leaving!

Holy smokes!!

Well, sometimes many unkowns and options can stink, but if you look on the bright side, you've actually got options! Wonderful.

Did you by any chance tell the manager of the position you really want, what your perspective is, and why you are hoping to obtain a position there, out of all your prospects?

There is after all...a way to tactfully do this without coming across as painting the department's hiring manager into a corner.

Sometimes, all it takes is a phone call or a meeting, stating why you want this postion, above the others.

Good luck and go get 'em!