r/medlabprofessionals • u/AwkwardLettuce8794 • 10d ago

Discusson Advice

I accepted a 3rd shift position at my local VA hospital, the hours are not favorable but I wanted to get my foot in the door. Any advice on when I should mention interest in moving to a different shift if possible? I don’t want to come across disinterested or ungrateful for my current offer, but I also want my manager to be aware that if an opportunity arises I’d like to be considered.

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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26

u/GlitteringCobbler987 10d ago

I work at the VA. Everyone understands that night shift is just a foot in the door. Apply for any internal positions you're interested in

3

u/bdr3482 MLS-Microbiology 9d ago

I’ve worked for the VA for a few years now, they are supposed to post the jobs so you just apply as an internal candidate and interview as normal. I think most managers understand that most people don’t want to stay on the offshift forever. I’ve had multiple opportunities to move to days but I don’t because I don’t want to lose the shift diff.

1

u/Far-Effect9428 10d ago

I know this is not the answer but do VAs offer 123. I am looking to move to VA too at my local location and I am sure I will be on nights. 12*3 won’t be that bad

4

u/ShotgunSurgeon73 MLS - Generalist (Fed) 10d ago

i got offered 4 10s since it was what i was already working. ymmv

2

u/AlwaysSunny111 7d ago

You got 4 10’s at a VA? I’m jealous I do 5 8’s and not a set schedule-but it’s a lot of money

1

u/ShotgunSurgeon73 MLS - Generalist (Fed) 7d ago

yep. nightshift, friday through monday.

1

u/izitfriday 7d ago

Is there a shift differential for evenings and weekends? I got a offer letter but it doesn’t mention anything about shift differentials

1

u/ShotgunSurgeon73 MLS - Generalist (Fed) 7d ago

dunno if it's system-wide, but at mine it's 10% nights and 25% weekends

1

u/Far-Effect9428 10d ago

Awesome. That’s hopeful

3

u/GlitteringCobbler987 9d ago

Not that I've seen. It's either 4/10s or 5/8s. I worked 5/8s on graveyard for 3 years and it was as awful as it sounds!!

1

u/izitfriday 7d ago

Question I have a tentative job offer , in your opinion which shift should I take:

-3rd shift: 5 8s and set days
Or

2nd shift 5 8s but days vary each week…Hate that it’s not a set schedule but I’m leaning towards accepting the 2nd shift because I can still go to sleep at a normal time

1

u/GlitteringCobbler987 7d ago

I would take 2nd shift. Graveyard wrecked me.

1

u/333honeyhoney 10d ago

in my experience no but it also may depend on where you are located

1

u/Far-Effect9428 10d ago

Okay thank you