Shift work VS 9-5

[JennyEag]

Hello Everyone,

I suppose I’m looking for experiences from others who have done similar.

I have been offered a good opportunity as a band 7 trainee ACP in primary care and band 8 once qualified with the MSc and prescribing. This role would involve 4 10hr day shifts. My current role is a 4 on 4 off rota at band 6 with protected 25% unsocial. As I’m writing this i feel silly for even contemplating staying but do any of you miss the big chunks of time off that happens with a 12hr shift rota. Will I miss the comradery of working in more of a team based role? As someone in their early twenties is it too early to move to a slower paced role?

Any advice would be appreciated

If you think primary care is a slower paced role you’re in for a shock 🤣🤣

It’s different to secondary care, that’s for sure. But I don’t know why you’d think it’s not a team based role? Yes you’re an autonomous practitioner (I’m assuming ACP is Advanced Clinical Practitioner?) but you’re certainly part of a team.

When I say slower paced I am comparing this to the emergency paramedic work I’m currently doing and the acuity of patients. I’m probably comparing it to the very tight team work of being on a a crew but you’re probably right I just haven’t had the experience yet of being in a different sort of team

Are you top of band 6? I assume annexe E with your protected 25%US.
You will automatically go to section 2 for the band 7 role, and if you're doing days then you won't accrue any unsocial as the parameters are slightly different under section 2 (US 2000-0600) you may take quite a financial hit in the first 2 years.
No rest break payments/ incidental OT etc.
It's a fantastic opportunity but be mindful of the financial aspect.

I’m bottom of band 6 and the new role is outside of the ambulance service so not section 2 but I plan on staying on bank which will be. Thanks for the input it’s something to think about. Might find a calculator online

Yes it won't be acute emergency work like you're used to, and I would expect a very different experience to what you're currently doing!

Good luck whatever you decide

I used to be B5 in A&E, left after my first DD as no flexibility with shifts. Did a stint of community nursing and now work in a GP surgery. Done my minor illness L7 and now doing my prescribing. Work on a busy "on the day" team and I love it. We have a brilliant team, plenty of high acuity to keep it interesting and I don't think I could ever go back to the hospital setting. Most days are crazy busy but at the end of your day you go home mostly on time. Very few weekends and zero night shifts. Great team atmosphere and super supportive.
MKe sure you negotiate the best T's and Cs that you can. I don't think I could ever go back to A&E now, but there's nothing to stop you still doing some bank work if you're worried about losing your skills/missing your old colleagues. Sounds like a great opportunity though, and a funded masters is not to be sniffed at! Good luck whatever you decide!

Just seen this is a really old thread, what did you do OP?

Hi there, thanks for your lovely comment. I went for it but tbh i’m not enjoying it overall and feel quite deflated. I find it a difficult work environment, the doctors and nurse pracs are lovely but find the admin staff and reception quite challenging. I also do same day emergency care and find the work load quite boring/repetitive and the patients can be difficult and demanding compared to my previous role. I have learnt loads clinically while being there though, I just don’t feel I fit in. Suppose we live and learn!

Ahh I'm sorry to hear that. The team definitely makes or breaks it. Are you doing any study stuff? Are you well supported and getting to see a range of different things? Are.you managing to fit in any bank work? When I first left a&e I missed it desperately, I think it takes a while to transition out of that acute acute type of setting. Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks for replying, im glad you’re enjoy where you’re at. I’ve done several level 7 modules and am on the prescribing course for January. On paper all good but there’s no teaching in the practice, I get support clinically with patients where I have a question or am a bit stuck but other than that it’s quite isolated and I do feel like I’m bothering them a bit . It’s really got my down as i feel I’ve really tried but just don’t fit in. The Xmas party is coming up but I darent go! I’ve been doing roughly 2 bank shifts a month but it’s hard to juggle that as well with the courses I find.

Oh that makes me really sad for you!
Guessing you've been there several months now, have you had an appraisal or anything where you can bring this up? It is so hard to juggle everything I know exactly how you feel.
You will need A LOT of support for the prescribing, its a very heavy workload and I'm currently questioning my life choices while doing it!!! Are you finding the hours nicer at least? It might be a good way to bond if you go to the party, even if just for an hour or two to show your face? X

I’ve been there since April now and had an appraisal but only when I requested one at the 6 month mark and I did explain how I wasn’t happy and was finding it quite hard going and they agreed to increase my slots to 20 mins and add in 30 mins admin time at the end of the day rather than the 15 and no admin time and that has definitely helped. I do really worry about the support for the course as nobody really takes accountability or mentors me. I really try not to be a negative Nancy but I don’t even prefer the hours all that much and I really really thought it would be better but it isn’t. In my old job I did a 4 on 4 off pattern with relief weeks where I did 2-3 shifts a week and now I feel like I’m in all the time in comparison and have used up my A/L so quickly as obviously before I only had to take 4 shifts off to get 12 days leave and I’m still tired at the end of the day as my days are still 10 hours plus a longer commute. I do wonder if that’s partly because I’m not enjoying it though I don’t know

Good luck for your course it sounds like you’re making headway with it and it’ll be worth it for you in the end! X