Stuck

So.

I get to work last night and the first thing I do is check my email.

you see, it’s time to sign up for the June schedule.( Yes, we do things months in advance around here).

On Friday,I sent my manager an email asking if I could go ahead and sign up for the June schedule on days.

Fingers crossed, I clicked on her reply:

“Due to nightshift instability( which she created by letting 2 people go part time or prn,)I am unable to let you go to days at this time. Maybe in August when a few people have come back from medical leave. I have also been unable to find quality staffing to replace you. Thank you for your patience.”

I swear I felt like my head was going to explode. I felt lightheaded and I just knew my blood pressure was sky high at that very moment.

Everyone says I need to invent a good lie to get me to dayshift. Something about Pookah and having no childcare of something. I’m like what, The fact that I need to save my sanity and my marriage isn’t good enough?

I’m so frustrated. I’ve spent the whole shift trying desperately not to scream. or cry. Or both.

The question is:what do I do about it?

There are lots of jobs for nurses out there. But 90% of them are for nightshift. The rest are for evening positions 3-11 or 12 to 8. I saw ONE job for days at an old job. I used to say never but now….

I’m almost desperate. But I don’t want to make rash decisions even in my desperation.

But I’m soooo tired. Just so tired.

Preshus Me

Wednesday 11th of April 2012

I'm so sorry you're going through this. The only advice I have is to threaten to quit if you can let them know that some other hospital wants you, but I know that's not something you can reasonably do. They're treating you this way because they know you're stuck and taking advantage of that and you! It truly sucks. I wish I could help. Come to my town! Plenty of nurse jobs here :)

rosesdaughter

I don't even think she was question it. She was just be like OK. And move on. She doesn't beg. She'd let the unit suffer.

TheProDiva

Tuesday 10th of April 2012

Girl! I feel you! I have a friend who is also a nurse, and she is trying to get off of nights as well...no luck! I agree that you should not make any rash decisions when you are upset, but you definitely have to come up with a plan. Did you leave your old job on bad terms? If not, maybe that's an option? Hang in there girl! And pray!

Amber

I can feel your sadness and frustration. Do you have any vacation time on the books? Maybe a week or two away...or even a few days of rest (alone) to recharge might give you the boost you need to hang in there until August.

I agree with prayer as the answer. I read once that God is like a teacher: He's always present, but silent during the test. And I also think a talk with your supervisor might help. Sometimes emotion can't fully be conveyed through email.

Hang in there!

Cam | Bibs & Baubles

Ugh! I was holding my breath reading this post. I'm so sorry honey. I'm with Krissy, pray on it. Something has gotta change to work out in your favor.

Brainy Pint Sizer

Nurses, especially those on night duty, and pretty much caregivers in general get a lot of sympathy and empathy from me (and teachers also). I still have aunts who are nurses. So, I get it. Nights are a killer especially when you have kids -- and really little ones. August seems like a long way off, and it isn't a guarantee that your hours will be changed. Pookah and Cdub need you...and you need them. If you can hang on a few months to August -- great, but I think a follow up with the supervisor is in order with you expressing that you understand (this helps her see you're trying to work with her), but that if she could give strong consideration to you if a day shift slot becomes available before or in August. Make up whatever reason you need to for your family's sake.