Hospital constantly calls...

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I am nursing student in a CNA position at a hospital on a GYN floor.

When I was hired I told them my availability was evenings/nights- weekends only with 1 weeknight shift. This is what I am scheduled for so my actual shifts aren't a problem.

The problem is the hospital CONSTANTLY calls me and asks me to either A) come in earlier or B) work day shift.

I was hired with them knowing I cannot come in before 7pm ( because I am in class and I have kids and have to wait for finacee to get home from work before I can leave)....yet it still never fails....the phone rings basically daily.

Although I have to keep saying NO ..except for the few occasions where I was actually able to do it...they always act rude....like it's MY fault they are understaffed and I can't help them out. Twice they left messages on my cell phone that I didnt get until it was too late and then they act like I'M RUDE because I didn't call them back in time.

Seriously I do help when I can...but I usually cannot come in for dayshift.

Anyone else experienced/ing this? It's driving me up the wall and down the block.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

My suggestion is to use caller ID or an answering machine to screen your calls. And NEVER give them your cell number!

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Unfortunately I only have a cellphone. We dont have a land line because we never used it...and long distance is free with the cell.. so we just cancelled it....perhaps it's time to get it back :lol2:

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Specializes in ALF, Medical, ER.

I had this happen CONSTANTLY at the Assisted Living Facility I used to work at. They knew that my husband works nights and that I had to be home with my daughter. But yet anytime there was a call out they would come to me before I left and ask. Its hard enough saying No over the phone, imagine it in person. And I know how you feel. I would say no for a legitimate reason, a reason they knew about anyway, and yet I would get an exasperated sigh like I had the nerve to say no. If you haven't already, go to your supervisor and try to explain the situation. I would be highly annoyed too. Make sure that they have your availability down correctly. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma.

As someone who has to make these calls, couple of things...no one should ever try to make you feel bad or guilt you into coming in, I'm sorry that's happening to you. Let your voicemail take the calls. If you can or want to come in, you can call them back.

Sometimes these calls are made by the previous shift (trying to cover callins), by staff who may not know you or your schedule...we have a big list of phone numbers for all staff and just go down the list calling every possibility, many times I'm calling staff who I've never met and I have no idea what their schedule is like- we do give staff the option of having special notes placed to their number, such as CANNOT WORK NIGHTS or IN SCHOOL M-W-F or DO NOT CALL BEFORE 6am..can you ask someone to put a note like this next to your number?

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Sometimes these calls are made by the previous shift (trying to cover callins), by staff who may not know you or your schedule...we have a big list of phone numbers for all staff and just go down the list calling every possibility, many times I'm calling staff who I've never met and I have no idea what their schedule is like- we do give staff the option of having special notes placed to their number, such as CANNOT WORK NIGHTS or IN SCHOOL M-W-F or DO NOT CALL BEFORE 6am..can you ask someone to put a note like this next to your number?

this is a really good idea.

Also, the voicemail on the cell phone is a wonderful thing, use it. just don't answer. When we are short staffed, the person calling usually uses guilt to try to make us come in. the truth of the matter is that we have all worked short, we all know its not fun. BUT everything gets done.

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This happened frequently with me until I wrote a note stating what I could not work and to please stop calling me at 0500 as I can't do day shift and go to classes at the same time.

It worked. Also, I screen my calls.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Caller ID is a wonderful investment to screen calls. Unfortunately, there is a nursing shortage everywhere, and this includes CNAs. I did not feel guilty saying no as a CNA and I still do not feel guilty saying no as a nurse. I told my agency that I needed time off from my weekend job to rest my feet (I have heel spurs) and they had the nerve to call me this morning and ask me if I was available to go in. I said 'no' again.

I do give my cell phone because I do not want them disturbing my home. I have caller ID on my cell as well, and I can cut it off. In most cases, I am finding that while they may try and place the guilt on you, it is not personal; they are simply desperate to get someone to come in.

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Specializes in Psychiatric nursing.

I work as a CNA in a LTC facility. However I am only 16 so I have certain limits placed on what hours I am legally allowed to work, and yet still I have the staffing supervisor or the DON begging me to work night shifts. For example, after working a full 3-11 shift, I am begged to stay until 7 the next morning even though I am only permitted to work between the hours of 6 am and 1130 pm. I am sometimes tempted to stick a sign on my shirt that says "UNDERAGE". But at least I have an excuse for not working double shifts!

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