I am grauating BSN in may, and have signed a 2 year contract with a local hospital. I have had for many years a medically managed chronic insomnia problem that involves seroquel, topamax,clonidine,neurontin and a breathease strip and even then i wake up several times a night. I have been to several specialists and this is the best it gets. I may try a CPAP machine but nasal obstruction is only part of it. Anyways I understand new grads are usually put on the night shift, wich wouldn't bother me but a rigorous sleep schedule is important and simply not possible until (unless) my insomnia improves. And certainly flipping schedules around is also not possible as I can't just flip my meds back and forth like that. Is this going to cause a lot of hostility with my new co-workers? I will work every weekend if I have to just not 7p-7a. Last summer I did an externship in ICU (where I want to work) and had issues with my preceptor, I suspect it had something to do with this, the hospital was okay with the situation but I detected hostility from the nurses on the unit. I got switched into amb-surge and had a great summer, and got along very well with my new prectptor and coworkers. But ICU is where I want to work for several reasons. So My question is, would you be hostile to a new grad who would not be able to work nights? Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!
I know that when I am able to work as an RN, it will probably be a night position which I prefer, because the idea of going to work in the dark and leaving in the dark isn't my cup of tea.
Having suffered from insomnia, it s*&^*ks. Luckily, I am not suffering as you do. I do worry that you are on so much medicine. Don't you worry that the medicine may be partly to blame for you not sleeping so well? I get so frustrated with doctors lately who rather than listening to their patients, just through out another prescription. Wishing you the best.
Will your doctor write a letter stating that for medical reasons night shift would be a health hazard for you? It sounds like this may be a legitimate reasonable accomodation situation if your doctor will put it in writing for you.
Approach your managers with an negotiable spirit...consider offering to be flexible in other ways that would help your manager. As far as coworkers, you could offer to switch a day with them that they need off, etc. This would help with some of the hostility/jealousies if you went out of your way to help THEM when they need it.
Good luck to you. Petty jealousies seem to be a widespread problem with nurses and some places are more toxic than others. I wish you well.
since you have the option of a contact buy out, you have a small luxury of being able to choose a day shift position, I'm assuming. No matter HOW badly you want an ICU position, you can't sacrifice your health first as you know.
speak to HR, many ICU's have shifts like 11a-11p, or may be willing to accomodate. Especially a cvicu, who's acuity is high at 11a, where the hearts roll out until 12 hrs. post op. speak to the manager and inquire if this staffing option might meet their needs in their PEAK time. In addition, working an 11a- 11p is a mon, tues, wed. position.
Now if your hospital is union, you'll have to find a day position and wait to bid on a day position or 3-11. Nursing is so versitile, that you should be able to find that shift, then the specific unit... with that shift.. in that order. Being fresh out of school, you may not be able to have both, but at least choose a day shift best for your insomnia.
Have you considered a straight night position 11-7, if your stuck without day positions. At least there is 5 days of some what normalcy, where your med switching will be at a minimum.
you didn't mention your home env. and what would work best with a SO if you have one, or children.... this might help us give some other options.
ps, also consider day treatment areas, like outpatient, short stay, observation... GI clinic ect..... then once you have a good reference, and a day ICU position opens.... they could slosh your contract.
I have had imsomnia for many years. I have been able to work all shifts. I just didn't sleep well at different hours....LOL. Seriously when I have had the most problems I was rotating from shift to shift, then I could be up for days without any real rest. You will adjust to the night hours. It is harder for insomniacs , but we can do it. The adjustment period is difficult if you can work a steady shift it may be better. I will often ask to work the late shift and not days just to keep a regular sleep time ( even if it is morning sleep)
My favorite shift to work is the 3p-11p. This shift seems to allow me the best oportunity to get some adequate rest.
I am grauating BSN in may, and have signed a 2 year contract with a local hospital. I have had for many years a medically managed chronic insomnia problem that involves seroquel, topamax,clonidine,neurontin and a breathease strip and even then i wake up several times a night. I have been to several specialists and this is the best it gets. I may try a CPAP machine but nasal obstruction is only part of it. Anyways I understand new grads are usually put on the night shift, wich wouldn't bother me but a rigorous sleep schedule is important and simply not possible until (unless) my insomnia improves. And certainly flipping schedules around is also not possible as I can't just flip my meds back and forth like that. Is this going to cause a lot of hostility with my new co-workers? I will work every weekend if I have to just not 7p-7a. Last summer I did an externship in ICU (where I want to work) and had issues with my preceptor, I suspect it had something to do with this, the hospital was okay with the situation but I detected hostility from the nurses on the unit. I got switched into amb-surge and had a great summer, and got along very well with my new prectptor and coworkers. But ICU is where I want to work for several reasons. So My question is, would you be hostile to a new grad who would not be able to work nights? Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!
NP2BE
Hostility is not the big issue here. You have a documented medical problem, But by the same token, you have to understand that this is NOT going to move you to the front of the line, if you know what I mean. There are probably a lot of people waiting for a day position who have been there longer than you and also have more experience, not to mention unit of hospital seniority. That's one of the perks, unfortunately, of longevity. There are many day positions on heavy medical floors (because people don't want to work there) and if it is absolutle necessary that you work days (and it seems like it is) you may have to go to a floor that is not your first choice. You are a new grad and you may have to "pay your dues" like ther rest of us did. Besides, the med-surg experience will set you in good stead for ICU. How about evenings (my personal favorite)? Does that work with your medications?
My suggestion is that you get used to the fact that you may not get your first choice, for a variety of reasons. With time, you WILL get what you choose but that does not always happen right out of school. While you certainly have reason to NEED days, the harsh reality of that is that you may have to settle for a different specialty right now. Offering to work every weekend is not necessarily going to get you what you want. As you have signed with that hospital, go for whatever day position you can get (in whatever unit is available) and wait your turn like everyone else has to do.
Please, I don't mean to sound cruel or unfeeling, but that is the reality of nursing. I just wish some of these BSN programs gave you students a bit more of a reality check before you graduate. I think sometimes such programs set their new grads up for so much disappointment. But that is a topic for another discussion. Good luck.
Their are several ICU's in the hospital I have a contract with, That was only the CVICU, I would be glad to work in the SI or MI or neuro ICU. But in my area, the other hospital will typically buy your contract out with no problem so it does not really limit me. That would be great if I wound up on a unit like yours. The CVICU nurses at the hospital I signed on with have a reputatiion for not being the nicest, and I have witnessed it firsthand. So perhaps, One of the other ICU's would be better. I prefer CVICU but I realize that with my need to work days, I may have to take what I can as far as ICU work is concerned, and that is fine with me because I am glad to learn as much as I can in any ICU. Really I am just greatful to be having a chance to start my career, I am so excited to go into nursing and even more excited to maybe get to CRNA school. I must be twisted because I just love to be in and around hospitals!
Why would you say you are "twisted" because you like to be in and around hospitals? You're a nurse, gal! We all love the hospital! LOL! Good luck!
I just wish some of these BSN programs gave you students a bit more of a reality check before you graduate. I think sometimes such programs set their new grads up for so much disappointment. But that is a topic for another discussion. Good luck.
Thanks for all the great feedback everyone! Its really more the recruiters who bring us lunch every week and make it out like we are in such high demand, they make it sound like they will work with us to make us happy at whatever costs ( of course being just a bit older and wiser then many of my 21 year old fellow students, I can smile at this)We have had every branch of the military and several hospitals there multiple times feedings and trying to recruit us. But I do realize I can't come in there and start demnading this and that because I have this disorder, that is why I brought it to the board!
SarasotaRN2b
1,164 Posts
I know that when I am able to work as an RN, it will probably be a night position which I prefer, because the idea of going to work in the dark and leaving in the dark isn't my cup of tea.
Having suffered from insomnia, it s*&^*ks. Luckily, I am not suffering as you do. I do worry that you are on so much medicine. Don't you worry that the medicine may be partly to blame for you not sleeping so well? I get so frustrated with doctors lately who rather than listening to their patients, just through out another prescription. Wishing you the best.
Kris