I work stand-by on a surgical floor and basically the only perk we get is that we only have to work one summer holiday and one winter holiday. Well, last week I go into work and my boss informs me that I need to sign up for 2 winter holidays. I ask her why all of a sudden 2 and she really can't give me an answer. (She's known for being a bully towards people - she recently told someone that they're not allowed to retire next month!!) Well, whatever - my baby is due next summer so I won't be working any summer holidays. So I signed up for my 2 winter holidays.
Later in my shift, I was telling a co-worker about what our boss said to me and another nurse starts flipping out on me saying "you young stand-by girls always complain about your schedules and you don't know how good you have it!" She then starts rattling off every stand-by nurse's name and what holidays they have or haven't worked for the past year!!
First of all, I do know how lucky I am that I only have to work 1 or 2 days a week, but I'm home taking care of my 2 year old son during the week. My son gets up at 5am every day so before I even leave for my 12 hour night shift, I've already put in a good 13 hours. And since I only work 1-2 days, my husband and I certainly aren't making the money that we used to, so we do make sacrifices!! I don't get vacation time, sick time, personal days, or benefits. The one holiday a season thing is literally the only perk I get!! I just wish that I didn't have to justify my family's decisions about my work schedule to anyone else!! Sorry so long! I just needed to vent!
