I am in orientation at a very nice large hospital in the Emergency Department. So far I love it! The managers are nice and helpful, the charge nurses are delightful and more than willing to help, fellow nurses are happy and pleasant, my preceptor is amazing, the paramedics are awesome. Everyone works so well with each other and helps each other out. Im very happy. My preceptor said he was impressed with me how I "took the reins and ran with it".
A few shifts ago - My preceptor and I stayed over past our 7A - 7P shift until 11P because it was a busy night. I encountered a couple of RN's would work the 7P to 7A shift. I went over to them and introduced myself letting them know my name and sharing that I am new on the unit but I will help them out as much as I can and for them to just let me know what they need. They asked what shift I will be working once off orientation and I let them know I will be working 12's on days.
Thats when one of the nurses said "I didnt know they needed help on days. It wasnt posted but I guess (ED manager's name) will do whatever she pleases". Then they proceed to walk away.
I really didnt know how to feel. I can understand their frustration. At that point I almost felt ashamed for having that shift when more experienced nurses are still working nights. I was a little put back by how bitter they were towards me, the situation, and the manager.
Anyways, once those nurses started into their routine I went back over to their side of the ED and asked them again if they needed any assistance and I would be more than happy to help. They were standing by each other and one said "We dont need any of your help". The look and tone they said that in was anything but nice.
I havent shared what happend to anyone (besides here ). Im not the type to run and tattle. I will continue to be pleasant and offer my help no matter how brass they will be.
The thing is that comment has me thinking. I dont feel like I deserve that awesome shift. I feel confused on how I feel .
Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.
Look at it this way.. Did you know prior to getting hired that there were nurses who wanted a day shift position? Are you somehow responsible for their schedule? NO. So how is any of it your problem?
The manager had their reasons, whatever they were, for hiring you. Nursing, like the world, has all sorts of people in it. Happy and helpful, angry and bitter. You just had your first run in with some of the not so pleasant of them. Just keep a smile on your face, do your job, and as the saying goes kill them with kindness. No better way to make a miserable person realize their poor attitude than to not reciprocate.
The problem is with the other nurse and not you. It seems pretty childish that she would cop an attitude with you because she didn't get her preferred shift. If she did not know they were hiring for a day position when they hired you either management didn't want her on days or she failed to follow proper procedure to change shifts.
Most places I have worked required you to give a written notice stating you were interested in changing shifts. If more than one person wanted to change shifts the position would go to whoever gave their notice first.
Regardless of how they handle shift transfers, it isn't your fault she is not working days.
I am in orientation at a very nice large hospital in the Emergency Department. So far I love it! The managers are nice and helpful, the charge nurses are delightful and more than willing to help, fellow nurses are happy and pleasant, my preceptor is amazing, the paramedics are awesome. Everyone works so well with each other and helps each other out. Im very happy. My preceptor said he was impressed with me how I "took the reins and ran with it".
A few shifts ago - My preceptor and I stayed over past our 7A - 7P shift until 11P because it was a busy night. I encountered a couple of RN's would work the 7P to 7A shift. I went over to them and introduced myself letting them know my name and sharing that I am new on the unit but I will help them out as much as I can and for them to just let me know what they need. They asked what shift I will be working once off orientation and I let them know I will be working 12's on days.
Thats when one of the nurses said "I didnt know they needed help on days. It wasnt posted but I guess (ED manager's name) will do whatever she pleases". Then they proceed to walk away.
I really didnt know how to feel. I can understand their frustration. At that point I almost felt ashamed for having that shift when more experienced nurses are still working nights. I was a little put back by how bitter they were towards me, the situation, and the manager.
Anyways, once those nurses started into their routine I went back over to their side of the ED and asked them again if they needed any assistance and I would be more than happy to help. They were standing by each other and one said "We dont need any of your help". The look and tone they said that in was anything but nice.
I havent shared what happend to anyone (besides here ). Im not the type to run and tattle. I will continue to be pleasant and offer my help no matter how brass they will be.
The thing is that comment has me thinking. I dont feel like I deserve that awesome shift. I feel confused on how I feel .
How would you feel/do?
Ignore that nonsense. You have a job, shift, hospital and co-workers that you are happy with. You have a supportive preceptor that you like. So don't even pay any mind to them.
Your hired, you are doing well as your preceptor is saying.. you like it.. so therefore you do deserve it.
I've worked every shift. Nobody..and I mean nobody ever wins the shift war.
). Im not the type to run and tattle. I will continue to be pleasant and offer my help no matter how brass they will be. 
Simply Complicated
1,100 Posts
Look at it this way.. Did you know prior to getting hired that there were nurses who wanted a day shift position? Are you somehow responsible for their schedule? NO. So how is any of it your problem?
The manager had their reasons, whatever they were, for hiring you. Nursing, like the world, has all sorts of people in it. Happy and helpful, angry and bitter. You just had your first run in with some of the not so pleasant of them. Just keep a smile on your face, do your job, and as the saying goes kill them with kindness. No better way to make a miserable person realize their poor attitude than to not reciprocate.