3-11 shift any suggestions on how to change?

Specialties Geriatric

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Specializes in OB, ortho/neuro, home care, office.

Okay - I have hated every job I have had since nursing school. Various reasons, all having to do with my own personal issues. So I realize I have a problem.

Well anyway - now I'm at a LTC on my second week (actually day 5 of working there) on a 3-11 shift. I HATE it. I never see my family. I get up with them in the morning and see them for about 30 min (max) and come home well after they are asleep.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to ask for maybe Baylor nursing schedule instead, tactfully speaking? Since I've only been here a short while, I'm stressing on how to go about this, but I can't stand not seeing my family. I will end up quitting.

I like the job, just hate the shift.

So if somehow I could just get past the shift issues I think I'd like this job. Just need some help, I WANT to bring this up today so that I can get them thinking about how to change me. I don't want to be 3-11 much longer or like I said, I'll end up quitting yet another job (I think this will be number 6 in 2.5 years) I'm sick of feeling like a failure and would like to be at a job for a long period for once. This seems like a job I would like, just the hours suck so bad.

Sorry if I come off as a failure, I feel like a failure. I am frustrated with myself, and I am afraid my expectations are too high. But I can't work miserable. I've already had one nervous breakdown. I've got a major heart condition, so I can't handle alot of stress. I've already had at LEAST 3 heart attacks (I turn 36 in 5 days).

I just need help, I realize, with me quitting so many jobs, it's obviously ME that is the problem. I just need help. I don't know what else to do.

Thanks for your input in advance, and I understand I'm going to get alot of 'suck it ups' however, I can't do that. Even on blood pressure meds, when I'm stressed my bp gets alarmingly high and I will end up dead (one of these times).

Sorry for ranting, just don't know where I should go with this. I love taking care of patients, I love educating patients. Unfortunately there are no jobs like that. That is where I would be best. Education, maybe nursing school, or patient educator. But again, no jobs like that available.

HELP? Please:o

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I just need help, I realize, with me quitting so many jobs, it's obviously ME that is the problem. I just need help. I don't know what else to do.

Jen, I feel your pain. I used to have the same problem. I liked my work, but HATED my jobs. Job after job after job....

I eventually got treated for depression and that has made ALL the difference.

I sure won't tell you to suck it up, but I do encourage you to talk to someone. We all need guidance now and then.

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P.S. I also changed my sleep habits (8 hours MINUMUM) and started exercising (turbo Jam and Yoga/pilates).

I always ate lots of fruit and veggies, but I cut down on sugar and refined flours.

That has allowed me with approval from my doctor to cut back on depression meds.

You wold be suprised how easier it is to deal with a job when you've slept well.

Take care of YOU. That comes first. Fitting into a job is secondary.

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Specializes in Long term care, pediatrics, orthopedics,.
Okay - I have hated every job I have had since nursing school. Various reasons, all having to do with my own personal issues. So I realize I have a problem.

Well anyway - now I'm at a LTC on my second week (actually day 5 of working there) on a 3-11 shift. I HATE it. I never see my family. I get up with them in the morning and see them for about 30 min (max) and come home well after they are asleep.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to ask for maybe Baylor nursing schedule instead, tactfully speaking? Since I've only been here a short while, I'm stressing on how to go about this, but I can't stand not seeing my family. I will end up quitting.

I like the job, just hate the shift.

So if somehow I could just get past the shift issues I think I'd like this job. Just need some help, I WANT to bring this up today so that I can get them thinking about how to change me. I don't want to be 3-11 much longer or like I said, I'll end up quitting yet another job (I think this will be number 6 in 2.5 years) I'm sick of feeling like a failure and would like to be at a job for a long period for once. This seems like a job I would like, just the hours suck so bad.

Sorry if I come off as a failure, I feel like a failure. I am frustrated with myself, and I am afraid my expectations are too high. But I can't work miserable. I've already had one nervous breakdown. I've got a major heart condition, so I can't handle alot of stress. I've already had at LEAST 3 heart attacks (I turn 36 in 5 days).

I just need help, I realize, with me quitting so many jobs, it's obviously ME that is the problem. I just need help. I don't know what else to do.

Thanks for your input in advance, and I understand I'm going to get alot of 'suck it ups' however, I can't do that. Even on blood pressure meds, when I'm stressed my bp gets alarmingly high and I will end up dead (one of these times).

Sorry for ranting, just don't know where I should go with this. I love taking care of patients, I love educating patients. Unfortunately there are no jobs like that. That is where I would be best. Education, maybe nursing school, or patient educator. But again, no jobs like that available.

HELP? Please:o

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling. Life can be so emotionally draining when you are raising a family and also working. Getting enough sleep helped me. I've also had to use antidepression drugs to help me through really difficult times.

By the way I don't want to sound naive but what is the Baylor schedule?

You take care and good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, Sub-acute, correctional.

Well, in my experience, LTC is always desperate for nurses, so they will try to work with you on scheduling. The only trouble spot is the 7-3 shift, which more people want. If by Baylor schedule, you mean weekend premium, then you might be in luck. Seems like 9 out of 10 LTC's are short on the weekends. The only way to find out is to come right out and ask. Be honest, say you like the place but the shift is not compatible with your family obligations. Say you WANT to stay with the facility, and ask them what options they can give you in terms of shifts. I feel your pain, know what it's like to feel almost frantic about hating your work situation. You're not alone in your plight. I've switched jobs 3 times in three years, quit places, then went back in a month, and on and on. It's tough when you start out, trying to find the right fit. Ask for a meeting with the manager and scheduling person ASAP, and see what comes up.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I have been working the Baylor schedule for the past year and a half at my workplace. It consists of a 16 hour shift on Saturday, and a 16 hour shift on Sunday. Once people at my workplace move into a weekend Baylor slot, they usually never leave that position. In other words, it is hard to be moved into a weekend Baylor schedule unless one of the weekend nurses quits, is terminated from his/her employment, or dies.

Unfortunately, the greatest LTC scheduling need occurs during the 3-11pm shift, because that is the shift that everyone hates to work. Many people do very well on graveyard shifts because of the slower pace, and the ability to be with the family during the afternoon and evenings. You could leave work at 7am, sleep during the days, and be home with the family in the evenings. This shift works well for some working moms.

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Specializes in nursing home care.

Just started my new job, after moving around a bit the past few months. I think I'm gonna stay put! The late shift (4-10) is quiet and plenty of time with the residents. The early shift (7-4) not too busy and again time to speak to residents. Emphasis really seems to be on activity and care staff seem to really care about the residents. Fingers crossed!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

If you've hated every job, perhaps nursing is not for you. If you love to take care of patients and do a lot of teaching, you might consider home health. All the HH agencies around here are always hiring. I don't mean the staffing agencies where you work one day at this facility and one day at another. Something like the VNA. I was tired of the LTC world and thought VNA would be easier. It's not. It's a different kind of stress with a whole different set of expectations. I hated it for the 3 months I was there.

The point is....you are young...you need to find something you like to do...maybe you won't be lucky enough to find a job you LOVE, but at least you need to find a job you don't hate.

I have Baylor nurses at my facility....trouble is I have an uneven number so there is always that pesky 4 hours to cover....our Baylor is 12 hours and our shifts run 6a-6p. It certainly wouldn't hurt to ask the DNS if you could do Baylor.

Let us know what happens and PLEASE take care of yourself.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

This may be not be realistic but is there any way you can go to part time. It is hard to work full time and deal with family demands, I feel your pain. I also think maybe that we all, including myself, need to ditch the guilt about being everything to everyone. It isn't possible. I also think sleep is the key to relieving depression. Hope you find some relief soon and good luck.

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Hi JentheRN05

The posts I have read so far have great advice for you....I would like to add that I found work in a community Health Center with great hours that accomadate being there for your family. My hours are 9-5 m-f with an occasional saturday to 5pm which gives me a day off during the week. The pay in Boston is comparable to a hospital job. I am a new grad RN and get $26 per hour. so there's another option to think about;)

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