Nights

I started my current job back in September the first 6 weeks were fine I had the usuall amount of nights, I'd have a block on nights in a months. For the last 16 weeks (I counted) I've worked permanent nights with the odd few days, I've said something to the ward manager, the matron & nothing was been told even the person I live with who is acting matron said something to the ward manger other matron but still nothing has been done, I was told was swop which no-one was willing to do. I hate it now when I do a day shift as I feel I'm unable to cope properly with it.

I'm feeling this is now having an effect on my health, I suffer from serve PMT (if I lived outside of europe it would be PMDD, but it's not recognised here) which has the become worse over the last few months results in a very bad episode recent. One of the symptoms I suffer with is depression, which usually lifts once my period over, which isn't completely lifting. I'm also not sleeping anymore, & feel so tired all the time, if i sit for any length of time I really feel like I could fall asleep. I've tried taking over the counter sleeping tablets but they didn't do anything apart from making me feel worse!

I'm planning to go & see my doctor this week & have a chat to him as I feel this has only come on since I keep being put on nights. I want to go & see occupational health about this but I'm worried that they'll say I can't do my job properly & then I'm going to be out of a job or it will make things worse & I'll never see a day again.

What would you all do?

I would have another chat with the manager and also go and see OH as it is affecting your health and you did not sign up for permanent nights so therefore everyone should have a fair shot at it. OH should be behind you on this

I agree, this is not what you signed on for.

You need to have a chat with management, I think because of the current job situation they believe they can do as they like because you've no-where else to go. I suggest you look & try and find another job & tell them that you're seriously looking at leaving because of the way your health is being affected.

occy health is definately the way to go here, your boss cant fire you, they have to be seen to support you through difficulties, thats what the improving working lives policy at most hospitals is all about. Your trust gets scored on this when they star rate them so there should be some system in place which you cant utilise to assist you

i think you are being treated unfairly, if you see occy health and they agree your manager has to act on it especially if your health is being affected, the trust are breaking health and safety at work rules if your job is making you ill

also are you a member of a union? this may help if you get no joy with management.