Seriously?!

[ernursen]

Not to toot my own horn, or at least terribly bad, but I am a pretty damn good nurse. I have worked as an LPN for the last 6 years. My experience includes Med/Surg, Ortho, Urgent care, and for the most part ER!!!! I got involved in the ER rather quickly and have busted butt to prove myself. Heres the prob...my employer currently would rather have me quit than alter my work schedule so I can finish college to get my RN. I started classes Monday and have gotten nothing but the run around. My evaluations are damn near perfect at work, I NEVER call out and I actually do work when I am there...unlike some others!!! ARRRRRGGGHHHH!!!!! It will be impossible to find a new job due to having to do an orientation at a new place which would probably be during the week....and I have class. I am the sole provider of my family of 5. I just don't know what to do at this point? What is wrong with this picture? I should mention that we are already short staffed at my current job, but they refuse to turn any of those slots to part-time or transfer me.

[eltrip]

Here are some thoughts, from where I sit.

First, let me congratulate you on continuing your education! You won't regret it!

Now, what are you offering your current employer that would be mutually beneficial? For example, when I wanted a set schedule at one hospital, I offered to work every Thurs-Sat night (this was before children). By having this schedule, it reduced everyone else's need to work weekend shifts & I had my 3 nights in a row. Management was happy & so was I.

If you can't get the kinks in scheduling worked out, have you considered online coursework? Online nursing degrees are available through the board of regents' web site. I'm having to go this way, myself as I like my job but it doesn't work with the hours of grad school.

Next, if at all possible, gain a skill that is indispensible to your unit/area. It makes you more valuable to the team. Volunteer to become the unit cpr instructor, if possible. The more you know, the more they want to keep you (usually).

Finally, if you find it necessary to look for another job, try to coordinate your start date & orientation with your school breaks. I don't know how long orientation takes but if you only have to deal with it for a week, perhaps changing jobs at Spring Break might work? If not then, perhaps right after the semester ends?

Just thoughts. Good luck to you!