Would you leave your current position over scheduling issues?

Nurses General Nursing

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I just wanted some helpful advice. I have been a nurse for 4 years, I've been working at my current job at the hospital for about a little less than a year. I Don't like all the weekends and holidays(does anyone ?) but I REALLY HATE that I in particular get stuck working them more often then anyone else on my floor! We do self scheduling and are required to do 6 weekend shifts in 6 weeks. I always sign up for my weekends but somehow my schedule is always moved. This schedule, I was moved to work every single weekend for 9 weeks straight. And I don't mean 9 shifts, there's at least one but often 2. Meanwhile, we have new grads that just came off orientation who have just 3 total weekend shifts. I brought this to the attention of my boss and she said well I print a report to make sure it's even but I'll check again. I did end up luckily being switched off the Sunday after thanksgiving because I had requested off, but had been scheduled thanksgiving, Black Friday and Sunday. I should work thanksgiving it is my holiday after all, but I had specifically requested off the weekend after because my family is doing thanksgiving with our extended family out of town that weekend.

And it's not just that, my entire schedule is constantly moved while others are not. Since I was given off that Sunday I then come back to work on Wednesday on one, off one, on 3, off one, on 2 aka 6 out of 8 days in a row. I know some people can do their schedule like that, however I am not one of those people which I have said before. I prefer to do 3 in a row or on 2 off 1 on 1 and then actually have a few days off. I do have some health issues, nothing that's considered a disability, so I need to give myself some time to recoup.

I feel very guilty for wanting to leave because our floor is a revolving door and I was very grateful for this opportunity. But at the same time, I see why people do leave. Everyone hates our floor and no one ever wants to be pulled there. It's a handful (but that's nursing) but the scheduling is my biggest issue.

I'm a newly wed, TTC, and I only have 3 days off with my husband in 2 months (he has an M-F 8-4 job)? That's ridiculous! I just don't want to feel guilty or like a failure if I explore other options

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Specializes in Postpartum/Lactation/Nursing Education.

If the schedule does not work for you it is perfectly fine to move on. However, make sure you have another job offer before giving your notice and also make sure you give adequate notice prior to leaving. If your unit is a revolving door there is most likely a good reason why they can't keep their nurses and you are likely better off leaving and finding a more stable workplace. Good luck.

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I'm not saying that your schedule is the least bit desirable, but at the jobs I've had, it's seemed as thought everyone thought they were getting the short end of the stick. It makes sense for you to want to leave, but just keep in mind, if you get another job at the bedside, it's likely your schedule will be the same way.

Last week I worked Monday and Tuesday pm, Thursday am, and then had to go in for my call shift on Friday night. And then I'm going back tonight (Sunday)! I feel your pain. I really do.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

I left a job because of scheduling issues. I was promised to move from nights to eves, but kept getting passed over, and I saw new grads getting moved into the shift I wanted. When I mentioned it to trusted colleagues, they had already noticed that happening, and assumed that I just wanted to work nights. Nope. I left, and I told the NM the reason I was moving. She just shrugged. I moved to a new facility, went to per diem. I make my own schedule, and I never get screwed over. Sometimes, you just have to talk with your feet. I used to be loyal, but when an employer shows no loyalty, I don't feel guilty about leaving them with staffing issues. It's usually of their own making anyway.

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I'm not saying that your schedule is the least bit desirable, but at the jobs I've had, it's seemed as thought everyone thought they were getting the short end of the stick. It makes sense for you to want to leave, but just keep in mind, if you get another job at the bedside, it's likely your schedule will be the same way.

Last week I worked Monday and Tuesday pm, Thursday am, and then had to go in for my call shift on Friday night. And then I'm going back tonight (Sunday)! I feel your pain. I really do.

The thing is we get a print out of our schedule along with everyone else's on it.... So we can see first hand who is and isn't doing their required shifts. There are very few (probably 5) out of 30 nurses doing their required weekends, and other than nurse who only works weekends because that's what she likes, I have the most.

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Specializes in BMT.

So who is responsible for balancing the schedule? Have to spoken with that person?

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So who is responsible for balancing the schedule? Have to spoken with that person?

It is the nurse manager, who I spoke to. That's the one who said they print out a report to look at the shifts and they would take another look, which is how I ended up getting off the Sunday after thanksgiving. I have asked to swap shifts but of course No one wants to pick up a weekend shift, even if they were one of the ones who did not sign up for their weekends.

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Your dilemma reminds me of a meme I saw for teachers this morning. Can't find it now but basically it has teachers asking the question "How do I get my students to like and respect me?" and the answer was "Like and respect them first".

Obviously you are NOT getting any respect here. And yes, if the schedule isn't working for you, you definitely can move to a different job.

I've done it. Lived to tell the tale. :up:

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Ask the NM what it would take to get less weekends like everyone else. She might think you prefer them or you don't mind. There may be reasons of seniority, skill mix, or something else that you don't know about. In any case if you don't like the schedule start looking around.

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Is it a possibility to transfer within your hospital to a position that doesn't involve weekend work or at least not as much weekend work as the floor requires?

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Is it a possibility to transfer within your hospital to a position that doesn't involve weekend work or at least not as much weekend work as the floor requires?

The only thing open is CDU and ED, which I considered CDU but they close often/are put on call and I wouldn't want to have to constantly use my PTO just to have a paycheck. I do keep looking though!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm presently in the process of leaving my current job, which I've had for 5+ years, due to scheduling issues combined with my indifferent attitude. I've accepted an offer for a work-at-home gig with an insurance company and am excited to start next month.

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