Would you leave your current position over scheduling issues?

[Butterflyxx0621]

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

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

If this place is a revolving door, management should ask themselves why.

Yes, I would leave a position over scheduling issues. One of my needs from an employer is a schedule that meets my needs (within reason of course; I don't expect to be given a straight day shift, no holidays or weekends schedule or anything. I do expect to work only the same number of them as everyone else.)

[DowntheRiver]

I love my job. When I was hired, I was told that I would work every third weekend. It started off like that, but then our PRN person accepted another FT position at a different clinic location. So now I've worked a few Saturdays in a row. I specifically told my boss I would hold out for a few months but that if my schedule didn't change I would be looking to switch clinics or find another job. He hired somebody, and in December I'm working only one required Saturday. I'm in the same position as you - my husband has a normal 9-5 Monday thru Friday job. We still see each other a lot more compared to my last job which is nights so it is worth it.

If it doesn't work after some time, move on. Give it another scheduling cycle and if she's not a bit more accommodating after you speak to her then find another job!

[needlesmcgeeRN, ASN, RN]

The best part about my current job is no nights, weekends, or holidays. I couldn't deal with bedside nursing for that reason.

[caliotter3]

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.

Continue to bring the disparity to her attention until she realizes that loading the weekends on you is not ok. If she doesn't change the scheduling to make it more fair on her own, in a reasonable amount of time, then consider looking for a new job. But carefully weigh all concerns before moving on.

[Libby1987]

I wouldn't leave an otherwise good job without giving my mgr a chance to keep me.

Scheduling is a hard job, following the path of least resistance is natural, perhaps you haven't made your scheduling limits clear enough nor stood your ground. Give her a chance not to lose you.

[ambr46]

That's the Problem with self scheduling and it's usually first come first serve and often manipulated by management. We no longer do the self scheduling and it has been a heck of a lot smoother as far as the schedule goes.

[TootsieJ]

I would highly recommend that you start documenting this situation. After each conversation with your manager send a follow up email summarizing what you discussed and your manager's response. Also see if you can get a written copy of the self scheduling policy and when the you are scheduled for more weekends than required cite policy in your email and ask that she change the schedule so that your weekends match the scheduling policy. Please don't bring other people into the conversation just use the rules in your favor. If the situation persists, use your documentation to have a conversations with HR or your manager's boss.

[Butterflyxx0621]

The best part about my current job is no nights, weekends, or holidays. I couldn't deal with bedside nursing for that reason.

What do you do ? It seems like the only non bedside positions available in my area are case management and I do not have the 5 years RN experience they require

[dannibeeRN]

I left my last job because they kept scheduling me for weekends even though we were only required to work 4 weekend days every 6 weeks. At the interview I purposely let the panel know I could not work EVERY weekend and they agreed keep me at the minimum requirement. Well, that never happened. I was scheduled nearly every weekend despite talking to the scheduler and manager. Finally, my husband and I decided that I would resign. I stayed off from work for 8 months and during that time I worked on my RN to BSN. I recently started orientation at my dream job so I think everything worked out the way it was supposed to. Good luck!

[BD-RN, BSN, RN]

Do you guys have huddles or staff meetings? Bring this issue up. In front of the manager, bring a printed copy of the scheduling policy, and just simply say something along the lines of "I know none of us like to work weekends and holidays, however this comes with our job. I believe we are all a team and pull our weight. I just want to remind everyone of the scheduling policy, and please be mindful of your coworkers, that when you don't pull your weight and work your fair share, it effects all of us." And then, again bring the schedule to your manager and point it out.

Most people don't like three in a row, and schedulers are not mind readers. Sometimes you have to spell out your preferences. If you have a specific day off, make sure you specifically submit a request and get it approved. Then there is no argument; it is in writing.

[Zach16]

At least yours is right. I was on the schedule to work yesterday, and my schedule and the master schedule said I was supposed to be off. Then the days I'm supposed to work this week, they have me off.. The day that scheduling told me I had off, I'm on the schedule.

[txredapple79, BSN]

I hope you enjoy working at home. I have done it for the past 4 years and love every weekend and holiday off.