A new position
By Trace86
@Trace86 (5030)
United States
May 19, 2007 10:22pm CST
I was offered a new position at work last week. My friends and coworkers that know tell me I will be sorry if I take it.
I am currently working 3-1130 as a nurse in a nursing home. I was offered the am supervisor position. I will have certain responsibilities and also be the nurse who will have to work the floor if one of the nurses calls in sick.
My friends say that the people who work on the day shift are bit*chy and mean. They are making me feel very unsure about accepting it.
I was hopeful and excited before they all started in on me. Now I am nervous and reluctant.
9 people like this
19 responses
@34momma (13882)
• United States
20 May 07
don't let other people tell you not to take a position that is going to move you up in your career. you should take it and make that money and get your career moving up. they are telling you that because either they jealous, or they don't want you to move on and leave them
@CoffeeAnyone (3210)
• Canada
20 May 07
That is a very good point. What are the movtivates of the people giving you advice. Motives and Jealousy two very good points to consider even though you wish it weren't so! To bad people can't just be happy for people! But I don't think you move up to just further your career. Do it because you believe you can do the job and secondly have a desire to do it! Otherwise you might be setting yourself up for failure. Possibly but not always!
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
20 May 07
I would ignore what they're telling you, if you want the job. The reason I say this is that no matter what the staff are like if you're supervisor... you can mould them to your needs, and if you treat them right, they'll do for you. Start as you mean to go on.
The rumours could also have been borne out of jealousy that you were offered the job and not them, so I say, go for it, or if you have the opportunity, do it for a trial run and see how it goes. You have to think about what's best for you, and if I were in your shoes, I would much prefer to work the morning shift.
Good luck... I hope whatever decision you make is the right one for you and that you'll be happy in your work. Brightest Blessings.
@Trace86 (5030)
• United States
14 Feb 08
Thank you all for your good advice!
I did take the day shift position. I really enjoyed working days and then spending the evenings with my husband.
About 2 weeks ago, my friend, the ADON, had surgery and needs to take some time off to recover. The big bosses brought me into the office to "pick up the slack". Last week they approached me to see if I wanted to job-share with her on her return and then take over as ADON when she retires. I said I would give it a shot. I think I would feel more confident about the position if they would give me a job description and a list of responsibilities!
1 person likes this
@Trace86 (5030)
• United States
15 Feb 08
I talked to them today about a job description and they said they were working on it. The other woman, the one on leave, knows that she and I are going to share the job until she is ready to retire. She is 64. They also said they would have to put me on salary "soon".
Happy Valentine's Day!
1 person likes this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
14 Feb 08
I would think your husband was quite pleased that you could once again share the evenings with him too, my friend.
With regard to the ADON position, have you asked for a job description? I suppose they could be waiting for the other employee to return before they actually pass it to you. Maybe they think it ethical to talk with her first? I'm sure she will give you some insight into the job, anyway, if your employers are not forthcoming.
Thank you for BR. Well done... good luck and Brightest Blessings.
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
20 May 07
First, you have to do what YOU want to do, whether it's what people want you to do or not. Since you work 3-11 now, you already interact with the day shift nurses at shift change. (I'm assuming you get/do a shift change patient report before you start your shift to catch up on everything...)
Second, some thoughts to ask yourself: How do you interact with those nurses that you see from day shift? Do you seem to have a good rapport with them, or do YOU think they might be hard to get along with?
When I did nursing homes, I did mainly 3-11 or midnight shifts. One of the things that I noticed about day shift was that the aides, etc, had a busier time at work just because in the day time, they are responsible for: setting patients up for breakfast & lunch, bathing/grooming routines, getting them dressed,in house Dr visits, am bloodwork, etc, etc, etc... In that vein, yes, they are far busier than the other 2 shifts, and if understaffed I can see where some of them might get 'grumpy.'
Third: If you have kids at home that you're responsible for, and you have to jump in (on days off, etc) to fill in for missing nurses (ill, whatever) will that be a hardship to deal with at home? Or do you have a support system that is reliable to cover you on those extra days that you will probably have?
I've seen you post a lot Trace, you are a positive, upbeat person, and that always makes the interaction better with those who we work with. In the end, it's only you who can weigh all the factors and make the decision. Also, congratulations for being asked to take this step up, it's a wonderful testament to how they view you and your work responsibilities! Good luck whatever you choose!
3 people like this
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
20 May 07
I agree with what most people have allready told you. If you want the job, go for it. It won't change who you are, the only one that can change who you are is you! Of course certain things can have an influence, but eventually at the end of the day the only one who decides about changing is you.
It might be that your friends are afraid of loosing you or are jealous, but it could also mean that they have a bad experience with those people. If this (what I personally think not) would be true, you could be the one to bring in the sunshine and change the attitude on the floor. If one person's smiling it will affect everyone. Good luck with your decision!
@CoffeeAnyone (3210)
• Canada
20 May 07
I would just take those comments as something to consider before making my decision but I wouldn't base my decision solely on that. I would ask myself if I have the passion for that position, would I enjoy the challenge? Would the extra work and the leadership role be worth the cost to my time and my happiness? How do I feel inside when I think about taking that job? Do I feel exciting, can't wait to get started that kind of thing? If those answers are yes then it doesn't matter how grumpy everyone is, because maybe they need someone like you to come along and bring something positive to the table that helps rejuvenate the joy they once had for their jobs. Did you consider that maybe that is why you were asked to take on such a position? I doubt they would offer that to just any nurse. Think it all through and go with your instincts!
3 people like this
@icehut (508)
•
20 May 07
Since management is offering you a better(?) position, they must feel that you are worthy of and capable of filling the position. If you decline the offer, they'll see you as a person who is content with just getting by and may never offer you any more promotions. Now, I'd say the day shift staff may be moody because, well, aren't the majority of nursing home residents awake during the day? As the supervisor, you can rally up the day staff and make it your mission to keep them upbeat and less gloomy. Make them want to work under you by earning their respect and you'll either enjoy the day shift or be offered another promotion... ignore your friends' concerns... they're probably wanting you to decline the offer... the position needs to be filled and if you're not taking it, someone else will...
4 people like this
@CoffeeAnyone (3210)
• Canada
20 May 07
Yes that is exactly right! You said everything I was trying to say! I hope the writer listens!
2 people like this
@maevic (819)
• Bahrain
20 May 07
Hi there. Your friends reason is not SO valid. It doesnt mean that you will be bit*hy if you work on that shift. That's an opportunity, career growth. This is ur chance, don't lose it. You just have to think the pros an cons of taking that position but in general, i don't think there will be any problem at all.
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
20 May 07
It's always good to look at the pros and cons before making a change, but I wouldn't listen too closely to the gossip, unless they actually know the people or have worked with them. You are the one to have the change from the night shift to the day shift and decide if it is what you want. And changing positions will always take some adjustment.
2 people like this
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
20 May 07
What do you want to do? Personally for me I'd rather work the day shift anyday over an evening shift- Do you have children? I think that you should follow your heart- Does this mean more $$ also- because it is a supervisory position? I'm sure you would fit in with the other nurses on the day shift after a while- Just be fair- After all this is your choice- Good luck with your decision and good luck with the new job if you take it!
Keep us posted!
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
20 May 07
Only you can decide if the position is for you! Try not to be swayed by the opinions of others? Surely you have interacted with these folks before...at shift change? Perhaps having a positive, cheerful person around will have a positive impact on the day shift people! Of course they might seem 'grumpier' as they are likly more busy and interacting with more people at once and feeling pulled in more directions than people on the evening and night shifts. It is easy to snap at folks when there are 4 folks needing your attention at once! (Not that evening and night shift people aren't busy, but it is not as crowded and doesn't have as many things going on at once) Try to only consider your needs, your family's needs and your career when you make such an important decision! Best of luck and congrats on the offer!!
2 people like this
@mysiraylon (1102)
• United States
20 May 07
Why would you bother in the first place to accept the new position if you are well satisfied and been paid good salary on your present job. Two important things you must consider before making a decision on that position. How far it is from where you live, and does it has much better salary/incentives being offered on that new position? If not just forget it and follow your friends advice, they might as well only after your favor and well I should say they are your trusted friends, right?
2 people like this
@crickethear (1417)
• United States
21 May 07
You need to do what you want and what you feel is best for you. People could be jealous and just telling you that because they don't want you to leave. If you really want the job, and you feel that this is the direction you are being led to, then you need to take it. Best of luck with your decision, it sounds like a wonderful opportunity.
2 people like this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
20 May 07
Why would the people that work in the am be mean? There's good and bad people everyone I would assume that there would be a nice mix both am and pm.
Are you sure they might not have a different agenda? Or that unconsciously they just don't want to loose you in their shift?
In any case, you should do what is best for you and what your first feeling was not after they started manipulating you.
If you have a family am shift is usually better, believe me.
What you need to know is... would you like the new job? will you feel the challenge positive? is the prospect attractive?
Some people without even realizing tend to be upset when they see others get ahead, and who knows maybe that is the case.
If you have a chance see if you can observe the am people, interact with them , that might get your mind at rest, but remember that if you accept there will always be a period of adjustment so count on that.
@tsgirl01 (900)
• United States
21 May 07
Hi Trace86, how are you? Well, I think that you need to do what feels right for you. How do you feel about it? You can't let others, (some who probably harbor jealousies because they want the positon) make choices for you. It will be a challenge but new things in life are just that, challenges. I wish you the best in your decision and I congratulate you on your promotion. Look at it this way also, you already work the floor and perhaps you would miss that aspect of your job if you didn't get to do it once in a while. I can go on and on. Perhaps your personality and professionism will make the people on the day shift feel better about coming to work with a good supervisor. Do you even know for a fact that the people on that shift are bit*chy and mean like you have been told? Life is all about change, growth and decisions. I hope that you follow your heart and do what is right for you, without letting others opinions cloud your judgement. Take care...Grow on...
2 people like this
@Lydia1901 (16351)
• United States
22 May 07
I think the only way to find out for sure is to take the position and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, hopefully you can go back to your old position.
1 person likes this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
13 Feb 08
Have you had the chance to actually meet the people that you may be working with if you take the job? I would do this first and foremost and make your own mind up. Your friends MAY be right; but more than likely they are just jealous that it was you and not them that received the promotion. If it is a step up in your career/a pay rise/more challenging; then I would go for it! But definitely form your own opinions of these day staff rather than take someone else's word for it.
1 person likes this
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
26 May 07
Good on for you I hope you take the position, I am sure it was not offered if they didn't believe you were more than capable, so do not let people put fears in your way. You know weather or not you can do the job, and unfortunately dealing with staff that give you grief are part of the job. but take some supervisory courses on line if necessary and you will soon find your way trough. How hard can it be. do not play mind games get real and do the job.
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
4 Mar 08
This was posted 10 months ago. I wonder if you took the position? How are things now?
1 person likes this
@Trace86 (5030)
• United States
5 Mar 08
No, I didn't take that position. It just didn't feel right. I worked for a bit as a day nurse. Recently, the assistant director had back surgery and they asked me to fill in for her. She is now back and they have asked me to train for her position as she will be retiring at the end of the year. This position makes me more nervous than the last offer, but I am going to go for it!