Why do I feel guilty for not going in when called...

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I guess I don't really feel guilty, but I know it stinks to work short... I also know that the night will no doubt be crazy and I am not really in the mood for it...

Part of my problem is that I don't like "last-minute" stuff AT ALL. I like overtime now and again - but I like to schedule it in advance.

I recently picked up an 8hr shift. I was pulled to another unit to work there because they had 2 people call out. All day long they were aware it was only an 8hr shift but the charge nurse choose to rely on my guilt that I would stay over because the rest of the nurses would have 8patients each so they were so sure that I wouldn't leave. after my shift ended there was still no one to relieve me( the charge nurse did not have any patients). I wrote down the report and I proceeded to call my nurse manager to tell her that I would be involving the house supervisor if I miss my appointment. Magically the charge nurse appeared to take report from me and divided the rest of the patients.

Managment would dump on you as much as you will allow them, don't feel guilty about not coming in or not picking up the phone.

0 Votes

@ Caliotter3. I replied to this thread because I just got a phone call from work. Straight to voicemail.

0 Votes

All of us should have a stock voicemail greeting, "On All Nurses, please do not disturb. Leave a message".

0 Votes
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

undoubtedly, you're not the only one that feels this way once you call in. however, i feel that everyone deserves a off day ever now & then without guilts. the reason you're feeling this way is because you know how it is @ work when someone else calls in, the load doubles. moreover, only a responsible person like yourself would feel this way. having said that, just enjoy the day off, & make sure you're phone is turned off...ciao~

0 Votes

My facility has recently decided to make all the units "closed" and is requiring staff to commit to being on-call once a week. A lot of people aren't happy about it. Some have refused to work under those conditions and are looking for positions elsewhere before this plan is implemented real soon.

0 Votes
My facility has recently decided to make all the units "closed" and is requiring staff to commit to being on-call once a week. A lot of people aren't happy about it. Some have refused to work under those conditions and are looking for positions elsewhere before this plan is implemented real soon.

What do you mean by "all units closed?" Does this mean no satff will be floated between departments?

As far as call...I'd be sqwuaking myself. Call is for specialty areas where emergencies are likely, such as surgery/PACU, Acute Hemodialysis, and Interventional Radiology, and where other departments do not have qualified staff to cover/float into those areas.

That's nuts.

As far as accepting extra shifts/short call...I have grown pretty inflexible unless I owe someone for covering me when I've been ill. Dreading a ringing phone is no way to spend your day(s) off.

We recently had lay-off's, and had staff leave/move, leaving us with a skeleton crew. The hospital opted not to provide us with travelers expecting we the skeleton crew, would just deal with it. They're selling our department to a for-profit, so it's no skin off their nose.

0 Votes
What do you mean by "all units closed?" Does this mean no satff will be floated between departments?

Exactly. And a lot of the staff works 8 hour shifts.

0 Votes
Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I don't feel guilty. We've had lots of people out on FMLA and but it won't kill mgmt to get their hands dirty and staff the floor. I screen my calls and only call back to say yes if I want to.

0 Votes
Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

My absolute favorite was when they called me @ 5:30 pm; they were going to be short @ 7pm, but she begged and sweet talked (Oh, please, please do me a HUGE favor...) me into coming @ 11:00, 8 hour night shift. When I got there, they floated me to mother-baby. I work NICU. Haven't taken care of a grown up in 25 years or so. Yep, wanted to give me Moms, too.

I told her straight up: this is the LAST favor I'll ever do for you. And it was!

0 Votes
Specializes in L & D; Maternal/Child.

I have my work phone number tagged by a special ring. I always let it go to voicemail. That way I can decide if I want to call back and go in or not.

I really love working in LD and I usually will work (I am per diem) whenever they call. But sometimes I have other plans.

0 Votes
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Don't worry, as time goes on you'll get over the feeling of guilt. You're entitled to your time off if you want it.

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment