GracefullyImperfect

I started frequent, non-painful contractions at around 28 weeks with my second child. OB did a FFN which was negative. Then placed me on Procardia for 7 days. I actually ended up with these contractions for the remainder of my pregnancy, until I delivered at 38 weeks. I was monitored 1-2 times weekly with NST's and that was it.

I would just bring it up to your manager. I don't have a per diem contract- it is just a rule for per diem's on my unit to sign up for at least 2 shifts per month. When you were hired, did you sign anything stating you had to work a certain shift? Is there enough open time on the 7-3 shift for you to fulfill your time commitment? If there is, I don't see why it would be a problem... just ask. :)

I work per diem and am permitted to work day-shift or night-shift, though I know it is preferred I work nights, as that is the shift I left when I went per diem. There are much fewer nurses willing to work nights. I am "required" to sign up for 2 shifts per month, but my unit manager has actually permitted me to sign up for partial shifts. I know some per diem nurses that make good money- one friend actually works full time most weeks and gets per diem pay, plus doesn't have to take call, work weekends, or holidays.

Does your hospital have a minimum amount of time you must spend in your position to be permitted to change positions? Or a certain amount of time you must spend in a position to be considered eligible for re-hire if you were to leave the hospital all together? You may want to look into that. My employer requires a minimum of 9 months in your current position before you can change positions. Also, the option is open to orientees to resign before their orientation is over- look into that possibility, as well. This just happened on my floor. My personal advice- it seems like more is going on here than just the fear of being new. You were thinking that nursing would allow you the time to care for individuals at a vulnerable time- to do more than assess them and medicate them. Unfortunately, with staffing and other needs the way they are in nursing at this time- thinking you will have time offer much more on a med/surg floor is naive. I learned this the hard way, as well. I would resign before your orientation is over. But be prepared to be un-hirable at that facility for quite some time and have another plan.