Worried about a new job

[inshallamiami]

I just relocated to start a new job. Towards the end of hospital orientation I see my manager to discuss the scheduling of my unit orientation, where she very apologetically explains that they don't need me for full-time days (which is what I was hired for) but has a DESPERATE need for nights!!

I explain that although I understand her problem, I really find nights difficult (did them for years but many years ago). I offered a temporary compromise in that I would orient to an additional unit in order to increase the odds of going to days but would work only two nights a shift, running consecutively. She agreed but I don't trust her.

Now my orientation on the 2 units is nearing the end, and the new schedule starts next week, yet she has been avoiding me despite my requests to get together to put me on the schedule.

Now I am REALLY worried that I have made a mistake relocating. Any advice?

[BrookeeLou_RN]

Spent years in FL so I feel your pain..you are so right.. "have NO rights"

[inshallamiami]

So you will be working days and nights during the same week? How are you going to handle going back and forth like that if you can't do nights very easily?

Actually she agreed to let me work 2 nights a week, consecutively, ONLY. No days involved and still with FT benefits (I know, I know.) I emailed her to reiterate our verbal agreement. Of course no response.

The new schedule is being made up and she has been dodging me. Sigh. Will try to track her down tomorrow. How much do you want to bet she will renege on that?

[inshallamiami]

I wish you had not done this. I realize you relocated and had to work, but until nurses stop going along with these deceptive practices, they will continue. I am very sorry for you and hope it works out. Please keep us informed. Peace!

Well, you are right but financially I have been boxed in. When I stand up for myself and no longer have a job, can I come and live at your house?:coollook:

That's why God invented unions.

[inshallamiami]

Did you get anything in writing regarding this job before relocating for it? You were specifically hired for a day shift job AND promised a sign on bonus, and apparently are getting neither.

If nothing was in writing, you probably do not have much choice but to deal with the bait and switch your manager is trying to pull on you, at least until you are able to find something else. If the offer was in writing, simply get a lawyer and make them live up to the agreement.

The "take away" lesson from this whole situation: GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING.

You are right. Hopefully others can learn from this.

[inshallamiami]

It truly is a crappy situation. You already have relocated , so at this point, you have to find the way to adjust in the new location. I will be difficult to work for someone that is not keeping their words. so, even if you decided to work for them, the future is not promising. you won't be happy by feeling you were cheated, and that may affect your job performance as well. If you can't work nights, don't work nights. your safty should come first.

If you can handle unsteady income for awhile, offer them per diem or prn on day shift until they can give you steady day shift schedule.

I wish you best in this situation.

well I am going to try 2 nights a week, aren't I a "team player":rolleyes::rolleyes: kinda like trying to start an IV yourself before you ask someone else. And no, no day jobs at all, any type. Of course my manager has been forced to work some night shifts herself, so she's pretty motivated to fill nights first.

[inshallamiami]

Update, well I started working the two nights and so far, it doesn't look good. Do I have any option other than quitting? I've started looking for a new job but i am not sure I can "hang in there".

If I quit, would I be eligible for employment?

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

It was wrong of them not to be honest with you. My mgr actually called me 2 months before I relocated to ask about my schedule. However, since you're on orientation, they can also decide they don't need you. If it seems as though your schedule won't work for them, I would just accept the nights for a while. There are too many applicants for employers to choose from, unfortunately.

[R*Star*RN, BSN, RN]

You signed a contract that said "DAYS".

Does this hospital have a union? Because I would be bringing this up with my union rep if so.

I don't think they can legally go against the terms of your contract, right?

I am also not a night person. I signed up for a night shift "residency" that was supposed to last 3 months. I was told that at the end of my residency I had a very high chance of moving to days (no promises made). I've been on night shift for 2 years now and it has destroyed my life and sense of self. I feel as though I can barely function at work and I need someone to drive me because I don't trust myself. And most recently I had to cut back to half time.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Actually, until you're off probation or orientation, it doesn't matter even if the facility is unionized. You have no recourse, which can be problematic, but the union isn't going to negotiate for a new hire. That's usually the way it works, even if a contract was signed, unless you wanted to take them to court.

[inshallamiami]

NO union, NO contract, and I'm in Florida. I am SO scr***d! Well, thanks for your thoughts. I am applying to other jobs, but will have to relocate again. there are NO other hospital or LTC facilities closer than 5 hours away. I am going to do my best on nights until I get another job, but I am worrying about my job performance too.

that's why I am wondering If I would be eligible to get unemployment if I felt forced to resign (cause of the night shift thing) as opposed to being fired cause I wasn't doing a good job. Ideally I just want another job, On days, as soon as possible.

[Chin up]

I would not let them get away with this. I am not saying do something foolish. I just think nurses need to speak up and loudly at times. Employers will continue to do this because we let them. Sure, folks should have integrity, but that is a "lost art". Sure, you should have got it in writing, and I KNOW you will next time. But the fact remains, you packed up and moved yourself, believing you had a full time day job. The fact remains, they lied to you. The fact remains, they will continue this practice on others. It needs to stop and we need to step up and let them know, we are not going to take this treatment anymore. You need to file complaints with the hospital, the nursing board and the labor board. I am sick of hearing how the ANA wants BSN as entry into nursing, when they don't represent us NOW. Why should folks put out all that time and money, just to appear professional without the benefits? And even though my nursing education was tuition free, it does not negate respect deserved. You will not disrespect me without a fight. I always had a rebel spirit and know speaking up comes easier to me than some, but people please, stop taking this bull crap. Nurses will never get the same treatment as other professions, while lying down begging to be abused. Even if nothing comes from your speaking out, at least you did. When more and more, begin, they will start to take notice, when we refuse completely to work under certain conditions, it will change. It will take time, but we have the time. The only alternative is status quo. ANA, get off your ass and do something constuctive, rather than pushing meaningless rhetoric. Young nurses, your BSN does not mean you are through, it is just starting. Speak up, if not for yourselves, then your patients...you are their advocate after all. They don't need burned out abused care givers. They need professionals. Professionals do not sit silently while being trampled on. I am so sick of it and why I am leaving nursing finally after 26 long and overdue years. My anger is at the profession itself. A female dominated profession, that still believes it is "okay" to be dominated by the past injustices of women. It is okay because we are "called" and it is a "privilege" to be treated as such.

Sorry, OP, not a rant against you, but all of us. It needs to stop and it starts with us. Peace!

[inshallamiami]

Chin up, hey I agree! No offense taken. It's just that I'm the only breadwinner, and My daughter is in school, etc.... It's the same old story. Believe me I would love to be the next Norma Rae, and I have ALWAYS been a strong union supporter. But ever since Reagan cut the Ba**s off the Air Traffic Controller union, most unions are weak, though better than nothing which is what I have now. And I don't think the ANA wants me, I'm an old diploma nurse, no BSN. And sure, I could stand up for my rights, file a grievance, and the next little mistake will be blown up bigger than Mt St. Helens. Sooooo, I will look for a job, keep my mouth shut, do my best and hope I don't snap.