Why don't they like part-time nurses?

lyceeboo · Oct 27, 2004

How can I convince an ADON in LTC that allowing me to work part-time is to their advantage??? I applied for a job as a 6p to 6a RN in a nursing home. During the interview I told the ADON that I could do two 12-hr nights per week. (They are in dire need of nurses probably because of some bad state inspections they have had. I applied there because they are close to my house. The other nursing home job offer I have is for a place a good 40 minutes away.)

Anyway, she is pushing me to agree to do 3 nights every other week. This would be very hard for me because of family care issues and the fact that I'm taking classes for my BSN two mornings a week.

If they allow me to work 2 nights per week they will get an RN that is rested, has a good attitude, and is highly productive. This prejudice against part-timers has happened to me before...The last nursing home I worked for agreed to hire me part-time (I did 3 eight-hour shifts per week and sometimes filled in for nurses who got sick.) They were very pleased with my work and attendance record and saved money because I received no benefits.) After a year at that nursing home I politely asked the DON if I could be moved to the 3-11 shift when something opened up. She flatly denied my request saying she only hires full-time nurses for the 3-11 shift. (I was not told of this policy when I was hired.) Shortly after that I gave notice and quit. The funny thing is that since I left that NH every want ad they run now says, "RN's & LPN's needed F/T & P/T all shifts available."

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks.

Jolie, BSN · Oct 27, 2004

My guess is that the DON sees you as a strong individual who will not be bullied into taking an excessive number of shifts, and that is precisely why she doesn't want to hire you. Her goal is warm, licensed bodies, and lots of them. She is not interested in someone as conscientious as you!

If they are that desperate for help, especially due to bad evals, do yourself a favor and go somewhere else!

Jolie, BSN · Oct 27, 2004

My guess is that the DON sees you as a strong individual who will not be bullied into taking an excessive number of shifts, and that is precisely why she doesn't want to hire you. Her goal is warm, licensed bodies, and lots of them. She is not interested in someone as conscientious as you!

If they are that desperate for help, especially due to bad evals, do yourself a favor and go somewhere else!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2004

I have also found that some places will do anything they can to throw a wrench in your school plans. I have seen places talk a good talk about working with your school classes, but when it comes down to it they do everything they can to make life miserable. Keep to your plan and dont let them bully you into backing off on classes or taking more hours if YOU feel it isnt in your best intrest. Stand your ground!!!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2004

I have also found that some places will do anything they can to throw a wrench in your school plans. I have seen places talk a good talk about working with your school classes, but when it comes down to it they do everything they can to make life miserable. Keep to your plan and dont let them bully you into backing off on classes or taking more hours if YOU feel it isnt in your best intrest. Stand your ground!!!

steff_rn1 · Oct 27, 2004

I am a DON, and would be happy to have you. I understand that some facilities only want full time help, but in our facility, having an RN PT on nights would be an asset. I have found that most of the RN's that apply have "skeletons in their closets", which their former employers warn me about (without giving specifics, of course). If an RN would apply and not have bad references, I would be happy to hire them PT. Good luck, and keep looking. You would be very valuable to someone.:) :) :)

steff_rn1 · Oct 27, 2004

I am a DON, and would be happy to have you. I understand that some facilities only want full time help, but in our facility, having an RN PT on nights would be an asset. I have found that most of the RN's that apply have "skeletons in their closets", which their former employers warn me about (without giving specifics, of course). If an RN would apply and not have bad references, I would be happy to hire them PT. Good luck, and keep looking. You would be very valuable to someone.:) :) :)

lyceeboo · Oct 27, 2004

Jolie and meownsmile,

Thank you so much for the advice and benefit of your experience! It's funny but in several of my interviews I really have gotten the feeling that they only see me as license to plug into as many shifts as possible. However, I can see where their coming from and I try not to take it personally, because being an ADON or DON in LTC has to be one of the hardest jobs around.

I just wish they wouldn't make promises they can't keep. They told me I'd have two CNA's for the unit they want me on. (27 residents with 17 of them being Q shift Medicare charting and 4-5 with wound care.) An LPN on that unit says she usually has only 1 CNA but sometimes the day shift CNA will come in an hour early. I'll also be working with two very green new grad LPN's on halls next mine and they need to be mentored. I'll enjoy teaching them but since I'm not a supervisor I don't want to be responsible for their mistakes. I'm told they have made several med errors probably because they are so busy...I will stand my ground and fight for the part-time hours!!!

Steff rn1,

Thanks for responding! It really helps to see the managments perspective. I have good references but it didn't occur to me that they maybe thinking that because they've been burned before. I'll let you all what I end up doing.

lyceeboo · Oct 27, 2004

Jolie and meownsmile,

Thank you so much for the advice and benefit of your experience! It's funny but in several of my interviews I really have gotten the feeling that they only see me as license to plug into as many shifts as possible. However, I can see where their coming from and I try not to take it personally, because being an ADON or DON in LTC has to be one of the hardest jobs around.

I just wish they wouldn't make promises they can't keep. They told me I'd have two CNA's for the unit they want me on. (27 residents with 17 of them being Q shift Medicare charting and 4-5 with wound care.) An LPN on that unit says she usually has only 1 CNA but sometimes the day shift CNA will come in an hour early. I'll also be working with two very green new grad LPN's on halls next mine and they need to be mentored. I'll enjoy teaching them but since I'm not a supervisor I don't want to be responsible for their mistakes. I'm told they have made several med errors probably because they are so busy...I will stand my ground and fight for the part-time hours!!!

Steff rn1,

Thanks for responding! It really helps to see the managments perspective. I have good references but it didn't occur to me that they maybe thinking that because they've been burned before. I'll let you all what I end up doing.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2004

I doubt that it is anything personal. If I had to make a business decision about staffing my floor versus your education, I would attempt to staff my floor. Everyone has to decide what their own limits are, and if yours is 2 nights a week, then so be it.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2004

I doubt that it is anything personal. If I had to make a business decision about staffing my floor versus your education, I would attempt to staff my floor. Everyone has to decide what their own limits are, and if yours is 2 nights a week, then so be it.