6 in a row new grad

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Specializes in RN.

Hello! I hope you are all doing well. 
 

I am stressed and struggling. I start my new grad job Monday and have already had such a headache. 
Backstory I've been a Tech on this floor (ICU) for about 9 months and through that management has been TERRIBLE. Theres zero communication and leaves you constantly stressed thinking you are missing something. But I love the people I work with. 

Now fast forward, I am starting Monday and I just got my schedule. I've been asking for it for weeks and she just never responded to my emails. Now that I have my schedule I notice I'm scheduled 48hrs some weeks and then scheduled 6'12s others. Then most are the normal 36hrs. While having 6 different preceptors throughout this schedule. 
 

I feel terrible thinking I'm going to quit before I even start. Especially since this is an ICU job as a new grad. 
does anyone have any advice? 
 

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Specializes in Critical Care, Capacity/Bed Management.

I am a little confused by your post, are you a 1.00 FTE or 0.96 FTE employee?

The reason for this is that 1.00 FTE employees typically have to work a 4th shift once a month to account for the 36 hours/week and make it an average of 40 hours/week. 

A 0.96 FTE employee works 36 hours/week, no need for a 4th shift as the 0.96 accounts for the 3 shifts a week. 

With that being said, you need to tactfully advocate for yourself regarding your scheduling. working 4-6 shifts in a row while on orientation is not setting you up for success, that's not even including the preceptor debacle. Also, you are typically told you cannot work overtime during orientation. 

Is there a nurse residency component to this position? 

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Specializes in RN.

@Okami_CCRN

I am a 0.96. So 3/12s. Some weeks do go to 40hrs for nurse residency. But the 48hrs are not for nurse residency. 
I agree with 6 in a row will make me so burnt out before I even start being on my own. I just don't know how to talk to the scheduler without sounding like I'm complaining since I haven't even started. 

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Specializes in Critical Care, Capacity/Bed Management.

I would just let the scheduler know that as a new graduate nurse you do not feel comfortable with doing six shifts in a row and would prefer there be some time off between them, Ideally one to two shifts. 

If you have a unit educator, let them know about the scheduling issues and that you would like to follow the schedules of 1-2 preceptors if possible for the first few weeks. 

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It will be a matter of approaching in a straightforward (confident/pleasantly expectant) and professional manner. 
 

"I need some help adjusting my schedule a bit. I want to make sure I have time to process all I will be learning...just trying to set myself up for success! 😊😊" 

Something like that.  As opposed to "yeah...this is not gonna work for me I need free time?”

Good luck!!

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I would say you need to ask to make a time to speak with your manager in regards to your orientation and schedule as soon as possible. I'm sure she is very busy but you need a dedicated 10 minutes to discuss this. 

This is either a scheduling mistake or a very clear sign that this unit is a very very bad idea. 6 preceptors on one presumably 1 or even 2 month schedule for a new graduate is a terrible idea. You are going to spend every shift being shown "a different way" to do things. The runs of shifts 6 x 12 hours is either that they have somehow scheduled you twice or they are wildly understaffed. 

Regardless. This is just not a functional plan. I get that you like know and like the co-workers and want to work on an ICU unit but if this really is their orientation plan for you it is very unlikely to turn out well. I would say this either needs to be corrected to the regular number of shifts with no extra's and 1 or 2 preceptors not 6 or you need to to be talking to HR about other units.

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I didn't want to be the one to say it but tbh I completely agree with the above. This is either a simple oversight or evidence of utter lack of care and concern right from the outset. Not good at all if it is the latter.

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JKL33 said:

I didn't want to be the one to say it but tbh I completely agree with the above. This is either a simple oversight or evidence of utter lack of care and concern right from the outset. Not good at all if it is the latter.

It also could be an evil, passive-aggressive means of getting rid of her without having blood on their hands. I've seen it happen to others and it happened to me. 

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Wuzzie said:

It also could be an evil, passive-aggressive means of getting rid of her without having blood on their hands. I've seen it happen to others and it happened to me. 

Oh geez.  I know you're right but why are people so dysfunctional. 

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JKL33 said:

Oh geez.  I know you're right but why are people so dysfunctional. 

Because they suck. 9 more years. 

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Yikes. Did you get that schedule straightened out? There's no way that's an OK schedule for anybody much less a new grad just starting orientation. 

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Specializes in RN.

@kbrn2002

Im talking to her today we will see! 
 

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