Work and Riding

I had my six month review because I am quickly approaching half a year working as a registered RN. The last six months have been very busy. I graduated from nursing school, brought home Dickie, and started a new job. They are all positive changes but it has been a whirlwind.

One thing that has become apparent is how hard it has been to keep up a horse routine with my work schedule. I am technically a part time employee which means I am only scheduled ahead of time for two shifts per week (three is full time). However, I need to work full time so from week to week I pick up an extra shift. Some weeks I get in my extra hours by picking up overtime. Other weeks I pick up last minute shifts. For my pre-scheduled shifts they make an effort to give me a break between shifts. However, when I pick up extra shifts sometimes the only option is taking a shift at the end of one set and the beginning of another. This means I might work five in a row or six shifts with just a day in between.

I am very careful about getting enough sleep and being on my game because my patients depend on me. My partner is also my priority. That means ride time takes third place. I do get out to see Dickie and love on him but I haven't had the time I want to ride Josey. I also know that once I can actually start doing real work with him I will be bummed if all I have energy for is brushing when I finally can get on him.

Soooooooooo I let me boss know that I really need more set hours. I am starting up school again soon (need BS in nursing) so it is even more imperative that I can plan my life. As of last week I am officially a full time employee. I will know my schedule two months ahead of time. I can plan ride times, flip myself to being awake during the day, know when I actually have time to show, plan weekend beach trips..... All the fun stuff that keeps you from getting burnt out.

I didn't realize how much having a variable schedule was stressing me out until I had a set schedule for two months sitting in front of me. I am sure I will still pick up the occasional overtime shift but doing it because I want a little extra cash is different than doing it because I feel like you HAVE to because I don't have enough shifts later in the month. YAY!! I am thrilled.

Watch out Dickie and Josey. Some hosses are gonna be trained!!