working swing shifts

BigB · Jan 3, 2006

Rotating shifts are terrible on the body. They throw the circadium* rythim* (I know I spelled it wrong, but you know what I mean) totally off! I will never work a job that rotates shifts from nights to days and forces me to change my sleeping pattern so much. You did the right thing.

jimthorp · Jan 3, 2006

I've been working in a LTC facility for about 5 months. When I was hired I was told I would be working 3-11, and would do 11-7 while one of the nurses was on maternity leave. I did my 3-11 the first week. When the new schedule came out I was scheduled 7p-7a for the weekend and was told that I would be doing 12's every other weekend. When the nurse took her maternity leave I worked one schedule 11-7, then I would be scheduled a few days on 3-11 and a few days on 11-7 and 12 hr. shifts on my weekends. I discussed my dislike for the scheduling with the ADON who does the schedule and she said she couldn't help it. I put in my resignation a few days ago stating Jan. 19 would be my last day and told the ADON that I needed to find something where I could work one shift because I'm having a very hard time sleeping, I guess my body just isn't adjusting well, the ADON's reply was "well, good luck finding a job like that, but I know I will be able to. I really do like where I'm at except for the swing shifts I wasn't told about when I was hired. I was just wondering if I have a legitimate gripe?

The fact that you were lied to and deceived about your schedule by the ADON would raise a red flag for me and I would also have turned in my resignation.

Is it any wonder why some facilities have trouble retaining staff?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2006

When these LTCs hire you, they never guarantee you the shift of your choice. They'll only claim to give you the desired shifts as 'bait' to reel you into their door to work for them. I am pretty sure you signed no contract at the time of your hiring that guarantees you the 3-11 shifts.

Only unionized hospitals have guaranteed hours and workshifts, and that's something to remember when you apply for the next job.

jimthorp · Jan 3, 2006

When these LTCs hire you, they never guarantee you the shift of your choice. They'll only claim to give you the desired shifts as 'bait' to reel you into their door to work for them. I am pretty sure you signed no contract at the time of your hiring that guarantees you the 3-11 shifts.
Only unionized hospitals have guaranteed hours and workshifts, and that's something to remember when you apply for the next job.

In the case we are talking about they did tell her what shift(s) she would be working but the ADON then deviated from that with no prior notice. It is true she may not have a signed contract but that does not matter, IMO. She was deceived by the ADON and anyone that put's up with being treated like that deserves what they get.

There is one way to get around the "no contract" thingy and that is to request job specifics in an employment offer letter. The letter is signed by the employer and the employee. I personally will not accept a position without one.

anniem87 · Jan 6, 2006

Just to let everyone know, after giving my resignation, I got my shift, 3-11. They hired a new nurse and told her she would do 3-11 and 11-7, she accepted the job, and gave me what I wanted, so the facility and I agreed to withdraw the resignation. I've only been a nurse for 5 months, but I decided to let them know how I feel early on rather than keep putting up with the schedule I was getting, and it seemed to work for me. Both the administrator and the ADON told me they wanted me to stay on which made me feel good about the job I do.

jimthorp · Jan 6, 2006

Just to let everyone know, after giving my resignation, I got my shift, 3-11. They hired a new nurse and told her she would do 3-11 and 11-7, she accepted the job, and gave me what I wanted, so the facility and I agreed to withdraw the resignation. I've only been a nurse for 5 months, but I decided to let them know how I feel early on rather than keep putting up with the schedule I was getting, and it seemed to work for me. Both the administrator and the ADON told me they wanted me to stay on which made me feel good about the job I do.

Good for you!

It has been my experience that many employers will treat you however you allow them to. A second shift nurse where I work is for some reason frequently scheduled to be by herself with a census of 50. She is a long time nurse and perhaps they are trying to get her to retire. It is a mistake knowing how hard it is to find nurses to fill positions. We have many ADON and nurse manager positions that are open and the company is not even trying to recruit for them. Someone is making bonus money and it sure isn't us grunts.

BTW, the aforementioned nurse is a good one.