Turning down overtime....

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

Ack, just turned down overtime for tomorrow. Double pay for 12 hours = a lot of $$$. I physically feel fine and could have done it, (and it would have like been an easy shift on a surgical ward on a Sunday = SLOW for most of the day). But I work FT and promised my kids I would be home all weekend. Family is more important....but damn it would have been nice!

I can bank OT and get it paid later when my cheque will be smaller, or take it as time off. 12 hours (11 hours paid) at double time would be 22 hours paid at straight time or 22 paid hours off.

Darn children ;). Just kidding. :lol2:

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Spending time with your kids? Priceless.:D

There will always be a next time and a next time and a next time....lol.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Family comes first in my book. OT and the money it brings is seductive, can be habit forming. On your deathbed will you be wishing you'd worked more overtime or had more time with your kids?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

In my experience spending the day at work is a really good way to ruin a day off. Money is good, but you can never buy that time back no matter how much they pay you.

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Enjoy your time off!!

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

I always turn down overtime due to the taxes they're taking from me. My checks are actually smaller with overtime because it causes me to be pushed into a different tax bracket. Depends upon how much you make an hour and how many deductions you claim.

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Specializes in Oncology, ID, Hepatology, Occy Health.

It's a dilemma we all face. I've canceled an overtime shift tonight for a personal reason. Of course my first thought is the extra cash I now won't get, but when I'm sleeping in my bed tonight having enjoyed my lovely dinner and a few glasses of wine, I'll be glad I didn't work.

You say you promised your kids the weekend off with them - now you couldn't really break a promise like that could you? There'll be other overtime shifts. We all need to strike the right balance - the odd extra shift is nice for the pay, but too much is too much. Your personal life's important too.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

Good for you. You made the right choice. There will be another opportunity for overtime in your future. Weekends with your kids? They seem to run out when they get older and have their own lives. Have time with your kids now when you can!

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
I always turn down overtime due to the taxes they're taking from me. My checks are actually smaller with overtime because it causes me to be pushed into a different tax bracket. Depends upon how much you make an hour and how many deductions you claim.

I agree! Plus I need my down time.

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Specializes in LTC.

I always turn down overtime during the semester. I don't feel guilty about it. I need time to relax in between my busy work and school schedule.

I'm not going to be doing any good to anyone(or my grades) if I'm burned out and tired.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I've turned down OT when I was just too burned out to do one more shift. The break away from work was worth more than the extra money...which in my experience doesn't turn out to be as much extra as I always think it'll be :)

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Specializes in Home Care.

I always put my family first :)

Now that they're grown and gone and I'm single...I'm picking up those overtime shifts. Thank you!

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