Wants to go part-time, how to ask Manager?

seaofclouds21, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2017

What are the policies regarding changes like this? Also, what are you hoping you will be getting hours wise as a part time employee? You say the 13 hour shifts are not working for you, but will those really change if you switch to part time? Do they offer shorter shifts for some employees?

If you are within the policy for requesting such a change, you would need to go to your manager and let her know that you are interested in changing your full time position to a part time position, if possible. If they don't have any openings for a part time employee, you might be out of luck, so I would try to check into that first. I absolutely would not mention that you are planning to look for another part time job as well. If the hours are not working for you now, how are two part time positions going to be any different?

Poofy7 · Nov 13, 2017

Thanks for the good points! The other part time job has a 10hr shift. And it is research nursing which I am very interested in, but would still like to keep this job for medsurg experience.

RNperdiem, RN · Nov 13, 2017

I have worked with nurses who work in research who work per diem to keep their ICU skills and contacts up to date; it is a smart strategy.

I would not mention anything to your manager until you actually get the part-time job you are looking at.

A few questions to think over:

Are you new to nursing? If you are a new grad, 3 or 6 months does not give you much leverage. If you are experienced, consider per diem work or agency work for good pay and maximum flexibility around your other job.

How much money do you need to earn? What about benefits?

If you do want to work part-time in your department, how many days a week? What about hours? Would you be allowed to work shorter hours, and how would the manager staff for it?. Have an answer ready and be ready to sell it.

Wuzzie · Nov 13, 2017

Thanks for the good points! The other part time job has a 10hr shift. And it is research nursing which I am very interested in, but would still like to keep this job for medsurg experience.

Okay now we have the whole story. This isn't a reduction in hours it's an entirely different job. I don't think it would be wise of you, at only 3 months in, to entertain any ideas of approaching your manager about this. Most places have a 6 month limit on how soon to apply for a transfer and you mentioned that staffing is not an issue. If your manager gets the idea you are wanting to leave she might make it happen on her timeline not yours.

Sour Lemon · Nov 13, 2017

Hi,
I have worked in this hospital for a little over 3 months and 13-hour shifts is not working for me. I am wanting to ask my manager if I can work part-time. I am not worried of our unit being short-staffed because lately we've put people on call or floated them because of one too many nurses were scheduled to work the shift. And there are 2 new nurses coming on board.
Should I ask her or wait til maybe I've worked their for at least 6 months? How do I go about saying that? And should I mention that I will be looking for another part-time job?

If you're a "struggling new grad" who's only been at your job for a few months, I think it's unlikely that your employer would accommodate you. Most places don't hire new graduates part time and want at least a year or two of experience before hiring on a more casual basis. There are exceptions though, of course.

I don't think there's a really a "good" way to ask and I don't think six months is going to look much better than three. If I were in your position, I'd make sure I had another firm job offer before I even brought the subject up.

Poofy7 · Nov 17, 2017

If you're a "struggling new grad" who's only been at your job for a few months, I think it's unlikely that your employer would accommodate you. Most places don't hire new graduates part time and want at least a year or two of experience before hiring on a more casual basis. There are exceptions though, of course.
I don't think there's a really a "good" way to ask and I don't think six months is going to look much better than three. If I were in your position, I'd make sure I had another firm job offer before I even brought the subject up.

I think you brought up a good point. Thanks!

Poofy7 · Nov 17, 2017

I have worked with nurses who work in research who work per diem to keep their ICU skills and contacts up to date; it is a smart strategy.
I would not mention anything to your manager until you actually get the part-time job you are looking at.
A few questions to think over:
Are you new to nursing? If you are a new grad, 3 or 6 months does not give you much leverage. If you are experienced, consider per diem work or agency work for good pay and maximum flexibility around your other job.
How much money do you need to earn? What about benefits?
If you do want to work part-time in your department, how many days a week? What about hours? Would you be allowed to work shorter hours, and how would the manager staff for it?. Have an answer ready and be ready to sell it.

Thank you for the advice!