Preceptorship: Can I ask for a schedule change?

[xEdgexRNx]

I am starting my new grad RN position in August and i couldn't be more excited. The shift I am hired to work is the PM shift. However, I am to do my 3 month long (possibly longer) preceptorship on the AM shift. Due to a medical condition (I have IBD, Celiac Disease, and hypoglycemia), working the AM shift is nearly impossible for me (mornings are when my symptoms exacerbate), and I am afraid that I will not only not feel well and be late for work, but also compromise patient care.

Do I just "suck it up" and try to make the best of it, or should I try to talk to my manager and see if she would allow me to do my preceptorship on PMs, the shift I was hired for? I don't want to burn bridges or cause any problems, but this is causing me a lot of anxiety.

Thanks!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

You probably should have discussed this with your manager prior to starting, but since you haven't, nothing wrong with asking, because you'll never get what you want if you don't ask.

It certainly isn't going to get you off to a good start if you start showing up late and have other problems. The stress of being a new nurse is probably going to set off some of your symptoms.

Good luck to you!

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

This probably should've been addressed when you were first hired so that your manager knew you limitations and desired working schedule and the reasons behind it. However, since that is either here nor there, I agree with Tweety, you probably should ask ASAP.

Your S/S are going to go into full force whenever you start your new job just because of stress. If you know you can't function at a certain time, then it's best to be upfront and honest about that right now rather than waiting until you are late multiple times or you have to cal in several times.

I don't know that your request will be made however. Most managers prefer you to be oriented on a specific shift for a reason. Day shift is usually the shift of choice because that's when it's the busiest and that is when you'll see the most amount of docs, orders and procedures. It's about getting you the most amount of exposure in the quickest period of time.

I won't hurt to ask and it won't hurt to be honest with your employer, just know that they may may have limitations as well and you might have to strike up a compromise in the end.

Good luck to you!!!

[xEdgexRNx]

Yes, best case scenario would have been to discuss this beforehand, however, these issues are quite embarrassing for me... not to mention the fact that I'm tired of these issues holding me back from yet ANOTHER thing. Thus, discussing this during my interview would not have been entirely appropriate (and I probably would not have been hired). Also, at the time I was hired, my S/S weren't as bad as they are currently, thus I thought this wouldn't be an issue when I start work several months later.

What would be the best way to express this without sounding like I am begging/complaining/whinning or trying to get out of a certain shift "just because" I'd prefer another one, and without giving too much details (I don't want her to be like "TMI!!!" lol).

I'm just sick of this controlling my life and limiting me. The only up-side is that it has made me more empathetic to what pts go through with their conditions.

[HappyPediRN]

Honestly, I would just tell your nurse manager exactly what you told us here. As your NM I would respect the fact that you told me these are sensitive issues that are difficult to talk about, and that you were afraid of them holding you back. There's nothing wrong with revealing your human side in a professional conversation.