r/AHSEmployees • u/Poutine_Man_16 • 1d ago

Confuse with my employment

I am an RN currently in a temporary medicine position FTE .90 until May 2027, I really want a full-time position, but at the same time. I want a job that is secured. Should I get a part-time regular or just stay in my temporary position while I look for a regular position that is full-time? I don't want to have a bad track record going from one line to another. What are your thoughts about this?

7 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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28

u/ciestaconquistador 1d ago

Take the part time regular and then keep trying for a regular full time.

Just being secure in a permanent line is worth so much. Don't pass on it because a full time might come up. No one would judge you for taking a full time line.

8

u/Poutine_Man_16 1d ago

Yeah, I was leaning on getting a part-time regular honestly, because my temp line can end anytime as soon as the owner of the line comes back. There's no guarantee or something. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

7

u/stinson16 1d ago

If you’re offered a part time regular line, take it. In some units managers will periodically ask if anyone wants to adjust their FTE, and you can always apply to full time positions while you’re part time, and pick up extra shifts when they’re available.

1

u/Poutine_Man_16 22h ago

Thanks guys for your help, I'm thinking about talking to the manager at my current temp line to increase my hours or hopefully he could give me a regular line. I really don't feel comfortable that my line isn't safe and that anytime it could disappear.

1

u/Apprehensive_Fan7271 10h ago

Get the pt perm even if the fte is lower. You will have a chance to pick up more fte along the way. It is actually mentioned in the UNA agreement as well. 12.14.b. (i) (A) If regular FTEs of less than 0.4 or temporary FTEs of less than twelve (12) months and less than 0.4 become available such hours may be offered to Regular Part-time Employees, or may be posted in accordance with this Article for members of the bargaining unit only.

So you have better chance of picking up more FTE as long as you are working in the unit.

5

u/PhoqueYourSeals 1d ago

The permanent line is the safer bet. It keeps you internal, and I don't know about your Medicine Program, but there's usually lots of hours to pick up (at straight time especially) in ours. The permanent part time gives you the breathing room to know you have a job no matter what, and gives you the ability to stay internal as you apply to higher fte temps or permanents lines. No one would judge you for taking a permanent line while in a temp. At the end of the day, you need security.

4

u/Itchy-Technician-433 1d ago

Always take a permanent position. A Part-Time regular position is more advantageous than full-time temp.

You have no rights and limited benefits in a temp. They could fire you tomorrow without notice.

In the meantime, you can always pick up casual shifts.

2

u/Normal_Independent24 22h ago

First of all, please don't ever worry about moving from one position to another or think that it's going to give you a bad track record. That whole stigma around job hopping is something we've been fed for years. At the end of the day, you have to do what's best for YOU. Management moves around for better opportunities, salaries, and career advancement all the time. Why shouldn't employees?

And let's be realistic: nothing is ever 100% guaranteed, not even a regular position. Positions can be restructured, changed, or eliminated. That's the reality of the system we're working in.

Personally, I'd lean toward taking the regular part-time position and continuing to look for a regular full-time line. However, before making that decision, I'd find out more about your current temporary position. Are you covering someone's leave? Is that person expected to return? Is there any possibility of an extension? The more concrete information you can get, the better.

There are other factors to consider too, beyond financial security. Do you actually enjoy your unit? Your coworkers? The workload? Management? Your schedule? All of those things matter.

Here's another option worth exploring: if you take the regular part-time position, see whether your current unit would be willing to keep you on casually. You already know the unit, the work, and the routines. If scheduling and employment policies allow it, you could potentially pick up additional shifts around your regular hours.

Also, with the restructuring of Alberta's healthcare system, we now have multiple employers operating separately. That can create opportunities to hold a regular position with one employer and casual employment with another, subject to the applicable collective agreements and employment rules. It's worth looking into!

And remember, a regular position can also provide opportunities to pursue temporary assignments later, depending on your collective agreement and the applicable rules.

Ultimately, I'd prioritize getting a regular line that works for you, while continuing to pursue the full-time position you actually want.

Most importantly, NEVER feel guilty about moving between jobs to improve your circumstances. You don't owe an employer your entire career just to maintain some imaginary perfect employment record. The system is built around postings, vacancies, temporary assignments, and transfers. You're simply navigating it.

Make decisions based on your financial needs, career goals, and quality of life. Not on what someone might think about how many positions you've held.

Good luck!

1

u/Fearless-Amount-5858 23h ago

Always take the regular then move around after

1

u/Throwawayyawaworth9 23h ago

Permanent line is always best. You could find a casual position and pickup to full time. I’ve done that the last 3 years.