Do I have to go to work?

Good inevitively brings bad, right? After pondering all the good things that have been going on, the bad things seem to be lurking in the corners ready to pounce. As I prepare myself to go to work tomorrow, the thought crossed my mind that I haven't shared my most recent drama concerning my job.

Problem:

SunHealthcare owns 3 Long Term Care/Skilled Nursing Facilities within the Denver area. I was working for 2 for about a month, driving back and forth daily, getting paid for my time between buildings and mileage. I knew this wouldn't last forever as the building in Aurora (called Sable Care Center) had developed a growing caseload that was definitely suitable for one full-time SLP. I just assumed that they would hire someone and I would return to Bear Creek Nursing & Rehab where I was originally hired on full-time. Another CFY from the 3rd building in the Denver area was also helping out at Sable and we talked daily how it was inconvenient and how they just needed to hire someone b/c the caseload was growing (that's a good thing!). Meanwhile at Bear Creek the caseload was dropping, quickly. They could barely keep enough work on for the 3 othe SLPs that were there and several days I didn't go into Bear at all b/c of the low caseload. It was all bad news from there. Last Friday the Rehab manager mentioned that the Regional Director of Rehab was coming into talk to us about the position and what the next step was regarding this crazy 2 building status. Basically, they brought me into a room, explained what a GREAT therapist I was and then told me that I was going to be at Sable full time. They made it seem like I was the better therapist between the 2 of us and like it was a good opportuinty for me to "spread my wings". Convenient that Bear Creek could not support me and Elm's Haven (where the other CFY works) could better "absorb" her time and productivity. *Heavens don't EVEN get me started on productivity* Options? none. This building, area and other therapists are a far stretch from what my original building is like. I would be the ONLY SLP (which is why I didn't take the job in SC) trying to build and maintain a caseload in a building which is having major Nursing and management issues. Great. Not to mention the drive is ridiculous and we rented this house b/c of the, duh, location close to work. Unbelieveable, and it makes me mad at this very moment just thinking about it again. Aurora is, well, very diverse and multi-cultural. I had my first only Spanish speaking dysphagia patient recently, for example. Now that was a good time.

Solution:

What is the solution anyway? What other option did I have? Either I take the job at Sable, or I don't have a job. Simple as that. So, I took the job at Sable leaving behind my supervisor, my other very supportive SLPs, great interdisciplinary team, clean and healthy building, and good Rehab candidates. My CFY is complete in March, but depending on how long Mike and I stay here why would I pursue another job? I have to keep telling myself it's a good professional move....something I can put on a resume of "building my caseload", "creating programs", etc. Who am I kidding. It sucks. I hate it. And I'm still mad at Bear Creek for hiring me if they knew they couldn't fully support 4 SLPs. Rah. Alas, the solution is to suck it up, be a big girl and learn something from this situation. I would gladly accept professional advice from those who have experienced lateral moves like this that turn out to be, not so lateral.

Do I have to go to work? YES....but..so does Mikey! He got the seasonal help as a driver helper for UPS starting tomorrow. That's a good thing! Hey, thanks for listening. Love Wins!