Published
Hello,
New grad with my first job in LTC. I was offered very generous salary and a full time position. I am to get every other weekend off and full time hours. On weeks that I do not have weekends off, my days off are not in a row. I definitely enjoy the job and I'm learning a lot. I have been at my job one month. When hired, I was told that it is important to come when called in if possible and that everyone should be a team player. This monday (03/03) I was to work 7 AM to 3:30 PM. I work 8.5 hour shifts. The DON asked me to work a double for overtime in the middle of my shift on monday (which is 7 AM to 11:30 PM). I was aware that a new nurse just quit and I agreed to the shift. It was very rough and I am still tired but I agreed to the shift to be a team player. I then worked my regular shift on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I have Friday off and am working Sat and Sun. I was just asked to work a double this Saturday and I declined. I felt guilty but I am still tired from Monday! Then, I was asked if I could work next Sunday, which would be my Sunday off. I said that I had plans Saturday night. I was told to think about working the shift. Here is my dilemma. I want to be a team player and I don't want to lose my job because i am not willing to work all the time but I also don't want to be overworked. I am tired and don't have time to do things that I enjoy and I was looking forward to my weekend off with my fiance since we don't normally have days off together. Am I foolish not to take the overtime and come across as a team player? No one has said anything to me yet but I am wondering if I will at some point get in trouble for not taking on as many shifts as my facility would like. What do others think? I am not complaining about having hours and being paid well, I just am not sure how to reasonably balance life and work as a new nurse. I don't know what to expect and what is expected of me. If anyone has any advice it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks!