Long story I'll try and make short. I've been working as a Registry ICU nurse since July of 1998, a prn type position. About 2 years ago I took a M-F job at a different hospital but kept my status at the other one. Their policy is Registry has to do a weekend a month..not just 2 weekend shifts but you have to sign up for a whole weekend at a time. If you don't do your weekend one month, you have to do 2 the next month or you're terminated, no exceptions. Or so they say.
I've been trying to be compliant, but it's been a chore to find child care for 12 hr shifts on a weekend. Plus after working 5 days, if I don't ask for a day off my regular job, it's a 14 day stretch with no time off. Several years ago I could've done it no problem, but anymore it's too fatiguing, though I'm working 8 hr shifts at my regular job.
I wasn't able to work a weekend in February, just worked a Saturday. Signed up for a Saturday and worked it this month, then signed up for last weekend, was sick Saturday and had to call in, so only worked on Sunday. So I guess according to policy I'll be canned. Seems like a stupid reason to get fired, but that's how it goes.
Sorry, I just needed to vent. I have 8 years in there and really hate to lose my hours. I like the people I work with and like being able to do some bedside patient care..I have a utilization type job where I am fulltime.
Oh,well. It's not like I'll be on the street looking for handouts, but I've never been term'd from a job and hate to start now.
Actually for years it WAS possible to do a split weekend. The requirements were 2 weekend shifts a month. Friday night counted, so for several years I worked every Friday night. Don't know why they got so hyper about changing it..some of the fulltime people do every Sunday or every Saturday, etc. There's a new manager and she's not known to be very willing to work with people, so doubt I'll get anywhere. Oh,well. Like I said..I have a fulltime job, I just liked being able to get some extra money on occasion and to keep my ICU skills in play.
Ack, Delmar! Sure didn't want to put anyone's bp up! Glad it's back down now!
And thanks to all for the suggestions/support. I'm thinking maybe God is trying to tell me that it's time to move on...sometimes when repeated obstacles get in the way of something I think it carries a message.
I just wish the message could be in large B/W print on a notice in my mailbox or hanging on my fridge !!! lol
Long story I'll try and make short. I've been working as a Registry ICU nurse since July of 1998, a prn type position. About 2 years ago I took a M-F job at a different hospital but kept my status at the other one. Their policy is Registry has to do a weekend a month..not just 2 weekend shifts but you have to sign up for a whole weekend at a time. If you don't do your weekend one month, you have to do 2 the next month or you're terminated, no exceptions. Or so they say.
delmar
21 Posts
Dear Multi-Purpose
The situation you describe is the sort that gets my B/P up in the
240/160 range! This is illustrative of one the MANY
reasons we have a shortage of nurses: a hierachical, punitive,
rigid, convent/military style system(designed by nurses, of course!)
Here you are, a talented clinician, who wishes to earn some
extra $$$, keep your clinical skills current & most of all,
take care of patients! Instead, you are penalized, & face
termination for taking care of YOURSELF (God forbid!)
My advise: Say adios to that PRN job & the "Dragon Lady":angryfire
who runs the Staffing Office @ the Hospital & offer
your skills (on YOUR terms) the hospital down the road -
remember, we are in the midst of a nursing shortage which
is here to stay & you my dear, are in the proverbial Driver's Seat!
Best Wishes!
(My B/P is back down to 120/80 now:)
:balloons: