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?

[Katie5]

Unless your job prospects are better elsewhere, I would keep this job and acclimate myself to nights as best as I possibly could. You do not want to be one of the many nurses across the U.S. who is unemployed because you refuse to work the night shift. Nursing jobs are growing increasingly harder to find, even for those with plenty of experience.

Let's face it. Day shift is coveted and highly desired, so it makes sense that you might have to put in your time on nights before you have a decent shot to bid on a day spot. Good luck to you!

No way does she have to meekly accept. At least she needs to give it her best shot. She hired on with the understanding of day shift.It would simply be unfair to stick her where she doesn't want to be.

Not everyone likes nights- she's been there, she's done that. I do believe she knows her body/system more than you do.

If it comes to it, granted she may end up working nights, but to meekly accept being shafted without trying reeks of "L".:)

[OCNRN63, RN]

The ANA has abandoned bedside nurses a long time ago. The only union that has shown any teeth when it comes to fighting for the rights of bedside nurses is the CNA/NNU.

[CFitzRN, ADN]

If you've worked for 3 of the last 4 quarters I do believe you could get unemployment but only if you're laid off or fired? I think? I really don't know how it works there in FL.

Incidentally, Reagan did exactly what had to be done with the air traffic controllers union. They were shutting down air travel and that was absolutely unacceptable. I personally believe unions are scourge on this nation, but that is neither here nor there at this point.

You know, you've only done nights for 2 nights. Of COURSE it's not looking good at this point. Give it a little time. You may be surprised. Two nights a week is doable. And if it's not, at least you'll have given it a real try. It SUCKED that this happened but I'm not sure what your options are.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

No way does she have to meekly accept. At least she needs to give it her best shot. She hired on with the understanding of day shift.It would simply be unfair to stick her where she doesn't want to be.

Not everyone likes nights- she's been there, she's done that. I do believe she knows her body/system more than you do.

If it comes to it, granted she may end up working nights, but to meekly accept being shafted without trying reeks of "L".:)

I certainly know that the OP knows her body far better than I do. As unfair as it was to give her the shaft and play the 'bait and switch' game with her after having relocated for the job, now the only options are (1) work nights while searching for a day position, (2) remain unemployed, (3) find a day job in a non-nursing field, or (4) relocate elsewhere and take the chance that management will play another 'bait and switch' game.

Sorry, but I will do virtually anything to keep from being unemployed and broke in this economy, even if it means working an undesirable shift that is unhealthy for my body/mind.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

That's exactly it. I would do my best to negotiate something, but, in the end, if it means working a couple of nights, work them. Jobs are not easy to get in ANY field right now. I'd also rather work than be unemployed. Buy some blackout curtains. At least keep the job until you can get something else, if worst comes to worst. They should have been honest, and it sucks, but c'est la vie.