Leave first job because of rotating?

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Sep 6, 2011

I would talk to HR to see if there is another dept that does not schedule like yours and what are the chances of you getting transferred. Yes, they probably have a policy about not transferring for a year but, in order to keep you, they may be willing to work around the policy. Worth asking. If that does not work begin look BEFORE you quit. At least now you know what questions to ask about scheduling. Make sure in interviews to explain why you left. Hope you can work it out with current employer.

blackbird singing · Sep 6, 2011

Everyone rotates like that? That seems very difficult to deal with re: sleeping issues... You should ask your co-workers how they deal with it rotating back and forth. And I agree to look for a new job before you quit.

StrwbryblndRN · Sep 6, 2011

Rotating is horrible. My hubby worked days at one time, nights at other times. But never had a hard time till he started rotating. (he did other jobs, not nursing.

I know working nights may be hard for some but rotating is hard on your body no matter who you are. I personally would not stay if I was required to rotate. It would not be worth it. (I work nights only and love it)

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Sep 6, 2011

See your PCP for evaluation of and consideration of intervention for shift work sleep disorder.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/sleep_disorders/hic_shift_work_sleep_disorder.aspx

I think one (especially a new graduate/new entry to profession) needs to stay at a job for a bare minimum of one year, preferably two. Anything less raises red flags.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 6, 2011

As soon as someone told me I had to rotate shifts, I thanked them for their time and hit the road. I'd work straight nights (or evenings if I had to) to avoid the constant schedule jerking. But, with jobs as they are, it seems you have to take what you can get. Is there any way to work straight nights - exchange with someone who wants a straight shift- and then alternate at longer intervals? It's not perfect, but at least not jacking you around so often????

EDnursetobe · Sep 6, 2011

thanks for the responses everyone!

I would try to switch but almost every other department is rotating too (except for dialysis/endoscopy i think which are pretty much day only and on call and neither interest me lol). The only nurses who don't rotate on the units have been there for years and years.

so I don't think its worth switching departments really, plus I generally do like my unit.

and I definitely wouldn't quit until I find another job lined up.

caliotter3 · Sep 6, 2011

Just start looking if chances are slim to fix this in the near future. The longer you wait to get a non rotating job, the more harm to your body and mind. Those honchos need to have their heads examined and a taste of their own medicine.

EDnursetobe · Sep 6, 2011

haha I agree. I heard (from other nurses on the floor) that they do rotating for most people because they feel it gives a more rounded experience (days are generally busier, nights you have less support etc.) And I can kind of understand doing both for orientation, however I think full-time you should be one or the other. I don't think rotating is healthy for anyone.

I'll definitely give it a few more months at least before I start updating the ol' resume. I'm not that worn out yet because I've just begun and I feel that I am learning a lot, which is important.

I just have realized that I can't do this schedule long term.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Sep 6, 2011

I think rotating shifts are crap. There is no harm in you looking for another job. Just don't quit this one until you do. It might take you six months to find and get a new job. Good luck.

0402 · Sep 6, 2011

What is your schedule requirement? Is it 50/50? On our floor, it is, so what people that desire a more regular schedule do is, for example- 1st 6wk schedule: 3 wks days, 3 wks nights; next 6 wk schedule: 3 wks nights, 3wks days, etc. So, in essence, they are doing 6 weeks of each at a time. Others go back and forth week to week (sometimes in the same week), which I personally couldn't do. Also, is your unit short on nights? I was hired to rotate, but our unit is way shorter on nights (those who have been there a while are either days or nights but new hires rotate), so I've been working straight nights for 6+ months now, with my manager's blessing. I greatly appreciate it and helps our unit's numbers at night, so for now, it's win/ win.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Sep 6, 2011

attitude has a lot to do with dealing with rotating shifts, just like anything else. i've worked straight days, i've worked straight nights and i've rotated. the worst part of rotating is the sleep -- ambien helps. or benadryl. black-out curtains. make a plan for dealing with sleep . . . don't let your family or friends disrupt it.

the thing i like about rotating -- and i rotate 50/50 -- is that it's a real burn-out preventer. just when i get so sick of families and other visitors that i don't think i can take it any longer, it's time to go to night shift. and when night shift begins to pall, it's time to go back to days.

when everyone rotates, you have a mix of senior staff and newbies on each shift. that's great for patient care and great for your learning. believe me, you're not going to learn much (much that's worthwhile, anyway) by staffing a night shift with all newbies or a day shift with all senior staff.