Saying no when work calls

[TerpGal02]

Forgive me if this has been talked about a zillion times before, but I am pretty new to all this. I just started at a hospital after spending my entire (all 9 mos of it LOL) in the community hence never had this problem. Got asked yesterday if I wanted to work tonight 3rd shift because there would only be one nurse on (work in psych). I politely declined as I already work Tues day shift. So they are going to have to mandate someone (not that this was a call out it was a planned leave day for one of the night shifters that was just never covered for in scheduling which happens all the time, don't get me started) from 2nd shift today to cover it. I just got called (went to voicemail) asking if I would come in early for my day shift tomorrow. How early I don't know. I realllllly don't want to do this. The idea of going in earlier just ugh. I am already NOT a morning person as it is, prefer my evening shifts. If it were work asking me to come in early when I'm working 2nd shift NO PROBLEM. I just feel bad saying no. And I wonder if saying no will make me seem like less than a team player?

[krocks1218]

Used to feel bad, now not so much! Truth is that I do accept last minute shifts and stay late/come early requests but at my convenience, not theirs. I am still a team player. I know many nurses that won't accept any extra shifts ever. You know your limit. Considering that you work in psych, it is understandable to want to limit your overtime. All nursing is stressful but psychiatric nursing can be particularly trying. I'm also not an AM kinda girl so I hear you there!

One good excuse a friend gave me is to say I had a beer or two if they called me last minute for an 11-7

That way they can't pressure you to come in. Yeah it's a little white lie but it's a good one. Anyway, if you are really concerned (and you shouldn't be) give the scheduler your "extra" availability

[Mulan]

One time the scheduler called and told me, not asked, told me she was calling me in to work, "no" was my reply. Next thing I knew the charge nurse (whose constant calling I considered to be harassment) was calling, this time I let the machine pick up and ignored the whole thing.

One time I called in because my sister had died, no word of sympathy, no "I'm sorry", no nothing from the scheduler.

This scheduler was an aide, mouthy, insubordinate, incompetent, and they rewarded her by giving her a scheduler position.

[Mulan]

One good excuse a friend gave me is to say I had a beer or two if they called me last minute for an 11-7

That way they can't pressure you to come in. Yeah it's a little white lie but it's a good one.

Personally, I wouldn't tell them that, the next thing you know you'll have a reputation of a different sort.

[brownbook]

I also used to have the job of calling in staff when there was an late sick call or unexpected increase in patients.

I never had any problems.....I simply went down the list of staff, "Sorry to bother you there was a sick call, can you work 7 - 3 today."

They would say "no," I would say okay, check them off, and go to the next name. Honestly all I wanted them to say was yes or no....I did not need, or want, or have the time for, some explanation about drinking....children....taking dog to the vet. etc., a simple yes or no was all I needed.

Somehow shifts managed to get through their short staffed a lot of admits crisis, even when no one said yes. But hopefully, often, someone would say yes.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I'm also in charge of scheduling, so I do understand both sides of it. I also understand why people don't answer their phone or call back. This doesn't bother me, as it seems to annoy some of you.

I'm not sure why it would. Just continue with your list and move on. People have a life outside of work, and if they choose not to answer, that's their business provided they're not on call.

The hospital does not own my life, or anyone else's, for that matter. That's definitely not what I signed on for when I came to nursing.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

I had a job that constantly called me to cover shifts. If I didn't want to cover the shift, I didn't return the call. Then my supervisor "talked to me" about not returning the scheduler's calls.

*** I would have laughed in that supervisors face! I am under no obligation to return any calls when off duty. How do they know if I even got them?

[betterlatethennever]

I don't answer. My family is # 1 in my life not my job. I love my job but its only part of my life so if its my day off I have no problem not coming in. You could bust your ass working for hospitals working nonstop and they will let you. Get a workers comp injury and see how fast they turn their backs.

[limaRN, BSN, RN]

Yes it chaps my behind to agree to extra shifts (for the OT) and then get called off later on - because you are OT.[/quote']

This.

[prmenrs, RN]

I got a call from the night charge, literally begging me to come in @ 11pm. So I did. Got there--she FLOATED me!!!

Yup. I did her a "big favor", and she floated me. Un-be-liev-a-ble. I went to the other unit. In the morning, I said to her, don't EVER ask me for another favor.

Use your caller ID. I think God invented it for nurses.

[mrnightinggale]

How about having a list ready of insanely fun activities that you are in the process of doing instead? The last time I got a call similar to this, I just told them I was on the chairlift and I couldn't talk very long (it was true).

You could always say:

-Sorry, I'm watching the game and am too inebriated to drive to work.

-Sorry, I flew to San Diego for a few days. I won't be in until my scheduled shift.

-Sorry, am out on my sailboat right now can couldn't possibly make the dock for another 6 hours...

[AMR21, BSN, RN]

We recipe tilt went to a system that sends out a mass text massage asking for help. So much nicer.

[AMR21, BSN, RN]

Wow. I phone fat finger fail. Sorry about the misspellings above.