How important is it to accept extra shift work?

Nurses General Nursing

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Last month I began work at a nursing home as an LPN. I've been called at home several times already asking if I'd go in and work another shift because they're short-staffed. Each time I have declined because I do not yet feel comfortable enough to take on what the assignment might be. I'm afraid they'll put me where they're most desparate, and probably a large patient load. My thought has been that once I'm more comfortable, I'd LOVE to take on more shifts but just not yet.

However, today I spoke to a friend who also just got her 1st job and she said she's been accepting every shift they ask for because she's afraid if she doesn't, she won't pass probation (4 months for both of us). The downside for her, though, is that she's so inexperienced and slow that she's already been written up a few times! She and I don't know what to do: accept the extra shifts to help secure our employment after probation? or decline them until we're more sure of ourselves? Your input on this will be appreciated.

I remember when I was an LPN at first I used to do so much OT because I needed the extra shifts (they messed up and told me I was going to be full time, when in actuality they hired me for per diem) I did OT so much the supervisors loved me, but when I backed off on the OT it was as if they thought I was obligated to do OT and they would kinda give me a hard time. Don't work there anymore lol.

Specializes in Operating Room.

I, personally, never pick up an extra shift. I soo look forward to my nights off and need my sanity. I refuse to be spread too thin. I work my 3 nights a week and that's it! I've been with the hospital for 3 years and am a great worker, never call in sick, do a great job. Don't worry about it! Say no or screen your calls!

Gator, do not rely on other staff to correctly ID residents--if they (and then you) make an error, they can reply"oops" and you're stuck with the error. utilize arm bands or resident photos if your facility uses them in the MAR.

Our facility uses photos. I usually find the resident whom I think is in the photo and more verify that it is the correct resident. Some of the photos are out dated and the resident has shaved, grown facial hair, grown older, ect.. and they no longer look like the photo. Updated photos have been requested. As of yet I have not seen any. :uhoh3:

Thanks for looking out for me. :) We did have a new grad recently get let go for passing the wrong meds to three different residents.

Specializes in cardiac.

when you signed your contract to work there did it say anything about mandatory overtime? if not then you only have to do your required hours. as long as you are doing quality work it shouldn't matter if you pick up extra shifts. besides if they are already short staffed i doubt they would fire you after probation unless you were completely incompetent! one thing to keep in mind though is if you are even in a bind and need a day off they are more inclined to help you out if you're a team player. but don't ever feel like you have to pick up extra shifts. good luck!

Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

Where I work, those who say "yes" to the extras get special treatment.

Christmas and Xmas eve off.

Four day w/e.

Any day off they request.

I've never feared for my job because I refuse, but I also know I'm not first on the list for 3 day holiday w/e either.

I'm a realist. The boss has to keep the yes employees happy or they might start saying no.

I don't think they are going to invest all that energy into training you and working with you through your probation only to terminate you because you don't pick up extra shifts. If they are short of staff why would they get rid of a nurse who has jumped through all the hoops only to start from scratch with an unknown?

Say yes if you want to work and no if you don't. Your friend's experience is a cautionary tale. Take good care of yourself while you are learning the ropes, and don't put yourself in a situation where you feel like you might make a mistake.

Specializes in Home Care.

I'm part-time, I'm a yes person :) I picked up so many shifts between Oct and end of December that I have full-time hours. I'm the first person they call for an available shift :)

Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

I think picking up an occasional shift when asked because someone is sick, etc., is good. It shows you are a team player and will help your unit. IMHO, the problem arises when you are scheduled or asked to do overtime every week as a way to meet staffing needs on a regular basis, and you are pressured into doing this.

shouldn't matter in theory but in reality i think it does. I think it hyou have to judge for yourself based on how where you work. some places you can do 35 hours of overtime a week and it is not appreciated and the constant call offs are still the crowned children of the facility. while in others they may think you are a great "team player" for constantly comming in.

interesting, anotherone. I can see how it's important to be seen as a team player but it's unfortunate that favoritism can come into play too.

Specializes in Pedi.

I have found that if you start saying yes too much, they will start taking advantage of you. I was in a situation last year where I had some medical issues and they helped me out a lot with rearranging my shifts so I could go to appointments, be in the hospital, etc. So at first I felt like I "owed" them return favors and every time they called me to come in or asked me to stay late, I basically said yes even though it was a complete inconvenience for me. Now things have settled in my personal life, I haven't so much as asked them for a favor in almost a year and I still get called all the time asking me to do things for them but basically not offering anything in return. Asking me to work Sunday night instead of Monday day during a week that I'm on days has nothing in it for me. If I do it, I don't even get a "thank you" or a "good morning" from the powers that be when they come in in the morning. So that, coupled with the fact that I'm now being treated poorly because I asked if my coworkers and I were going to get paid for the extra hour of the fall-back night (apparently you are supposed to just grin, bear it and feel lucky that you work for the hospital rather than asking if you are going to be paid for the hours that you worked) are making me not want to do them any favors ever again.

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