I hate being a sitter

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Not sure where to post this, but, I'm here to vent.

I'm a nursing assistant in a hospital, where 90% of the time I am a sitter for the last year and a half. I try to request floor assignments, but with no avail, I'm a sitter when getting my assignment. To top it off, I'm 4 months pregnant and the urge to urinate has increased. The prolonged sitting for 12 hours is making my body ache. I do stand up, shake my limbs, stretch, and hydrate. Some shifts I go home with pressure bruises on my buttocks. Just aching.

I took this position thinking I could network and hone on skills as I work directly under the registered nurse. Currently looking for RN positions as just passed the NCLEX, but I'm not sure how long I can take this sitting with a low prospect of getting a RN position while pregnant. Especially when my supervisor isn't allowed to be a reference for outside facilities, only for this specific facility.

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I get assigned to be a sitter somewhat frequently, and I also hate it. You don't actually have to "sit", though. I pace around the room and I ask for breaks as often as is reasonable.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

You can sometimes use other people as "supervisors". Some places are okay with "charge nurses" as a reference, also other nurses you've worked with. Perhaps even a house supervisor or something. I find it odd that a supervisor is unable to be a reference outside of their own facility. I haven't heard of that, but I guess it could be a thing?

For first nursing jobs, references from your instructors are important.

Being pregnant should not stop you from getting a job. You cannot be denied a job for being pregnant. During interviews, they legally should not ask about children/marital status. And I would not mention it offhanded. On the other hand, you will not be covered by the rules about getting maternity time off.

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

I know techs/CNAs who come to a floor assigned as a sitter but who ask to work the floor. A lot of times the floor staff is willing to switch, so maybe try asking them directly?

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Specializes in Dialysis.
On 8/13/2019 at 6:21 PM, CalicoKitty said:

You can sometimes use other people as "supervisors". Some places are okay with "charge nurses" as a reference, also other nurses you've worked with. Perhaps even a house supervisor or something. I find it odd that a supervisor is unable to be a reference outside of their own facility. I haven't heard of that, but I guess it could be a thing?

For first nursing jobs, references from your instructors are important.

Being pregnant should not stop you from getting a job. You cannot be denied a job for being pregnant. During interviews, they legally should not ask about children/marital status. And I would not mention it offhanded. On the other hand, you will not be covered by the rules about getting maternity time off.

If obviously pregnant, a prospective employer wouldn't say that's why they didn't hire you. They use the "better candidate" line. Try to land that job, but as said, you won't be covered by FMLA unless you stay with your current employer and meet criteria. I feel for your situation

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Specializes in Medsurg.

Sitting sucks. I feel your pain. Go above their head and network yourself in your company for a RN job. Network is key.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Step-Down, Med-Surg, LTC, PACU.

I don't understand this. We see it all the time where one tech WANTS to work the floor and another WANTS to sit. We simply adjust the assignment. We've also had one sit for half a shift, and the other work the floor. I really don't see what the issue is with doing that!?

Also good luck to you in the future! I agree with the above: Network!

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I'd find it intolerable. Sitting is mental torture.

How about talking to your manager about it? I wouldn't focus on any additional difficulties related to your pregnancy. I'd think many people would consider a request for rotation to be reasonable at baseline.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical care, Trauma.
On 8/13/2019 at 4:31 PM, NurseJamCA said:

Currently looking for RN positions as just passed the NCLEX, but I'm not sure how long I can take this sitting with a low prospect of getting a RN position while pregnant. Especially when my supervisor isn't allowed to be a reference for outside facilities, only for this specific facility.

I would definitely recommend putting a lot of energy into looking at RN positions. The sooner the better, really, with the upcoming need for maternity leave. Nursing orientations in the hospital are usually anywhere from 4-12 weeks depending upon the unit, so having plenty of time to get through training and establish yourself before being off for a while will be really important -- especially for a new grad, practicing new skills. Don't allow the concern of them not hiring you due to your pregnancy, keep you from getting out there and applying.

Everywhere.

Aggressively.

The sooner you get your foot in the door, the sooner you are making RN money and using your new knowledge. Oh, and you'll never have to worry about "too much sitting down" as a nurse! ??

Good luck with your decision.

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LOL. I used to work med surg as a CNA and I was stoked when ever the charged nurse on the shift stuck me as a sitter on a patient. A break from 8 assigned patients doing ADLs, answering call lights, vital signs Q4, blood sugar checks, blood draws, ambulations, charting, I/Os, changing linens, and the wear and tear on your body and SOUL? Heck ya! This, btw, was in the 1990s. So, yeah, RN ordered me to watch a pt, I said let me get a Jolt Cola from the vending machine and I'll be right back ?

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