Nurse, the way I look at it is that she's leaving you space that is 'unfillable'. That's how I put it to my clients. I had one that wanted to increase to 4 days/wk and I said no. It's impossible to fill 1 day per week. I reckon it would be even harder with just a few hours to play around with on each day. In my opinion, she should continue to pay full rates. If you've tried to term her and she's not accepting it, I fully understand your position. I HATE confrontation and my codependent streak makes me want to make everyone happy....except myself. It sounds as if you may suffer from the same affliction - Niceness Do what you need to to keep your sanity and for your business. I know it's hard, but once it's done, you'll feel much better I'll bet.