Need some advice/feedback on current job situation. FYI Long Post

[somethingNew, LPN]

I’m a new LPN (July 2022) but have worked in hospitals for over 10 years in ICU and ER as a tech. I started a PerDiem gig at an LTC/SubAcute in July. Then I landed a FT LPN position 11a-11p in a local hospital. They just started bringing LPNs back in and I am currently the only one there. I’m doing great and I love the job BUT now I have a problem.

I’m a single mother and when I accepted the ER job my mother was fine and agreed to watch my son (9yo boy) the 2 -3 nights a week I worked till 11pm. But shortly after her health started to decline. (Bone metastasis from breast ca 2017), I had to leave early (5pm) one day when I was on orientation from 7a-7p because she called and said she really wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t be able to get him. 

Then last week I was scheduled 11a-11p and she was supposed to meet him at my house when he got off the bus. I was calling her all day and she wasn’t answering. I called my son when I knew he was off the bus and when he got to the house she wasn’t there. I had to leave work (3pm) and call a welfare check on her. Apparently she took too much of her medication and claims she fell in the bathroom. Long story short, she is unable to watch my son anymore so I can work till 11p. They are aware of my mothers dx btw.

Keep in mind I am still on orientation. I am scheduled to be off orientation 11/19. At first my nurse educator seemed to be really concerned and supportive and telling me “family comes first” and all that, but then my next shift the vibes were just…off. I texted her to ask if I could be day shift my last week of orientation while I figured out my childcare situation. Her response “I’ll need to check with management” …okay? You’ve had me between days and evenings the entire time I’ve been on orientation but OK that’s fine. (I didn’t say that to her I just say OK I understand” She gets back to me with “per management, we can accommodate that week ONLY! Once off orientation you need to find childcare so you can work 11-11. Sorry.”

So I’m stressing. I have been unable to figure out a feasible way for childcare during those late hours and I honestly don’t feel comfortable asking for maybe 11a-7p 5 days a week instead as I know Im there to cover the busiest times in the ER, and I’ve been getting the cold shoulder from certain nursing leadership, for what reason I don’t know. The same “leaders” that were previously so nice and welcoming and seemed as though they genuinely liked me. It was a legit emergency involving my child and sick mother. I felt horrible for having to leave but my son and family is my first priority.

I would have liked to have a sit down with them, and they could have had a discussion with me if they had concerns. But the lack of acknowledgement and being blatantly ignored when I said good morning spoke volumes and really put a bad taste in my mouth. I totally understand if they can not accommodate my schedule, and respect it. But let’s have a minute to discuss, not sit there and shame me. I felt horrible enough having to leave.

I’m scheduled tomorrow and the next day 11-11, I have childcare covered as my son is off from school Thursday and Friday. But I still don’t have a schedule for next week.

So here’s where I need some advice/guidance. 

Anticipating that I won’t be able to find adequate childcare ( no other available family, and can’t afford what babysitters are asking to be paid to watch him from 5:30 to midnight). I applied for a bunch of jobs through indeed in a panic LOL.

Well I now have 2 interviews scheduled for Friday. One with a CVS/Minute Clinic, and the other with a County Correctional Facility.

Both day shift hours that work for my schedule with my son.

First… how and when should I talk to my current managers? How do I go about resigning while on orientation? Is 2 weeks really required since I’m still on orientation? I’ve never left a job before at least 2 years let alone during orientation.

Second, anyone with experience in corrections can share their experience? Same with the minute clinic??

Thank you if you made it this far LOL

And advice/guidance please share!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Generally, if you are still on orientation, you do not need to give 2 weeks notice, because they don't have a staffing gap they need to fill. Honestly, if I were in that situation, I would probably just wait until I have the job offer in hand, and then tell them "Due to childcare conflicts, I can no longer work the 11-11 shift. I need to give my 2 weeks' notice, unless you want my last day to be sooner." Be prepared to give 2 weeks, but also be prepared for the fact that they may tell you to leave immediately.

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you and I'm sorry about your mom.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I'm sorry to read you're dealing with a tough situation. I understand that it may seem uncaring of the hospital to not accommodate you more, but they clearly had expectations for a certain shift to be covered when you come off orientation. Knowing that it cannot happen, it's reasonable for you to let them know that you are unable to complete your orientation due to the schedule conflicts. I think it looks better to let them know now so you're not leaving them with a hole to fill when you're officially on the schedule. As already mentioned, while on orientation, either party can terminate employment without the required two weeks notice. I hope one of the other positions works out for you. Good luck to you, and your mom.

[somethingNew, LPN]

Totally understandable that they can not accommodate a change in shift, I respect that. I understand why I would need to be 11-11. It’s just how they responded to me having a genuine family emergency that just through me off. And again, I’m the ONLY LPN.  They really had no idea what to do with me when they brought me on. I was a “Genie Pig”. But from what I’ve heard the RNs found have me there extremely helpful. 
Still looking into all my options and depending how these interviews go on Friday I may just give my notice next week, it being my last week of orientation.