Out of Town Coworkers (long) Should it be my problem?

[SDS_RN]

I need to VENT right now!

My coworker one of a few who do scheduling for the next day called today said we only have x amt of pts tomorrow you and I are both up for call if you want you can have it or I'll take if you want to come in. I said no biggie if you want it you can have it. She said okay well since you are not going to take call you can have these certain pt's and you'll probably be done early. Okay great so I'm stoked because tomorrow's supposed to be a very nice spring day making plans for my afternoon. :)

Then my other coworker calls who also does scheduling and says well so&so would like to work on computers (starting a new system soon) and since she has to come from out of town we're going to give you the afternoon cases so she doesn't have to make another trip in.

It just ***** me off that because since I live in town I don't get the benefit of leaving early. I'm sorry but it's not my problem that she lives out of town. I just worked all weekend Fri- Sun put in some OT for the last 2 weeks and she's been off for the 7 days. I'm sorry but I would like to have the afternoon off after I put a load of time in. Maybe I'm overreacting right now but it doesn't change the fact that I'm really cross right now. Thanks for listening I just had to get it out before I exlpoded.

[psalm, RN]

There are times when we can accomodate co-workers AS OUR CHOICE. Next time, I would say I am sorry, but I made plans based on the schedule you made and I am sticking to it. A true emergency would be different, but just for the co-worker's convenience? No.

[Scrubby]

We don't really have this problem.

But i agree that everyone no matter where they live should be treated equally. I wouldn't put up with having to do more work because the other person lives further away. If they can't handle the commute to work then they should find a job closer to where they live.

[flashpoint]

I live 40 miles from where I work and I have been late twice...once because I hit a deer and once because I witnessed and accident and got out and rendered aid. The CNA who lives down the street from me and works at the same place I do (we can't carpool because we get off at different times) has been on time twice. I don't think that where you live should have any impact on showing up on time or not.

I admit that I grumble a bit when I am scheduled for a two hour shift on a Saturday afternoon or something...doesn't seem worth it to drive 40 miles for two hours (plus the facility has to pay me mileage), but I am also willing to stay late, come in early, or spend the night in house if I need to to ensure that I am at work on time the next day.

I don't think it is unreasonable to try to minimize out of town employee's trips in to work, but people who live in town shouldn't have to suffer to get it done. I doubt that this is the only time your coworker can work on the computer or whatever it is she wants to do. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and stay late or make the extra trip. She wouldn't refuse to come in to get her paycheck would she? :)