Normal scheduling in the workplace?

[Allistone]

Hi everyone! I'm a new RN and started my first job in a sub acute/LTC facility about 3 months ago. My facility is very understaffed so they are often asking everyone to change schedules days before or even the day of. I've gotten calls from my facility nearly every day to change my schedule around and if I say no (I've made plans already or I just don't want to), they try to guilt me into feeling obligated to saying yes. I was originally hired to work 3-11 part time, but my schedule for the next month is 7-3 since that's what they need. I understand that being a nurse comes with having an irregular schedule, but I'm getting tired of the unpredictability of whether they're going to change my whole schedule for the week at the drop of a hat. As a new nurse, I don't have any experience to compare this to and I was wondering if this was a normal practice in other facilities. Thanks in advance for your responses!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Making last minute changes to the schedule is normal in understaffed facilities such as nursing homes and small specialty hospitals. It is NOT normal in places that have enough staff to meet needs.

If you do not wish to change your schedule around, just say no. I've learned that solid boundaries are of immense importance in nursing because they keep others from taking advantage of us. Good luck to you.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Do not answer your phone.

[beekee]

I'm a new nurse. I was hired for overnights and received 6 shifts of training. Shortly after coming off orientation, I was put on days for a week, with no additional training. I was called incessantly to change or add shifts. Once, I got 7 voicemails in 3 hours from staffing, plus 1 text and three more calls from various management people. I finally just started saying "no." I don't give a reason. I don't feel guilty (well, I try not to). I cannot be their solution to short staffing. I need to sleep, recharge and live my life. They only care about filling the shift. They don't care about anything else, including your sanity. Don't fall for the guilt trip.

[kidsmom002]

Don't answer your phone. Keep the ringer off. Don't call them back. After a while they'll get the message and stop bothering to call you.

[amoLucia]

beekee - you win the award!!!!!! You hit every nail on the head. I can't come up with enough positives for your position.