should i?

kiszi, RN · Feb 5, 2009

its not my fault that people call off. its not my job to make sure the facility is staffed.

you answered your own question. They call you all the time to come in because they know you will say yes. If you don't want to, don't! Use your caller ID.

I very rarely will come in to work extra, and as I result, I don't get calls that often. And you can bet I'm not answering the phone when they do call! I'll listen to the message and then decide if I can come in.

Don't feel pressured to be a "team player" or whatever. They will work out their staffing issues with or without your help.

kat7ap · Feb 5, 2009

Two words: Caller ID. If you aren't sure you want to work extra than do not answer your phone from work on your days off. That way you can call them back if you want work without feeling pressured or getting a guilt trip from them.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 5, 2009

They will use any tactic they can...guilt, threats, manipulation. As mentioned, this is their issue, not yours. Caller ID is important and has saved my tail on many occasions. Most times, when I see them the next day, they don't even mention that they tried to reach me, the building is still intact, so, I saw that they can live without me.

If you are ready to go in, do it, especially if you need the overtime. But, working until you are on the brink of exhaustion is not fair to yourself or the patients if an error is made.

momtojosh · Feb 5, 2009

hehe.....sounds like me wheni first started...i came to these boards with the same question......i do have caller ID,and a machine....but still felt bad for not answering....got over that real quick...now i listen to my machine and I decide IF i want the extra hours or not.....i am only part time so they always call the part timers first.....i do help out when i want and am able.....some weeks i get just my 20...others 30-36......thats cuase i CHOSE to....feels good too....

Sterling-RN · Feb 5, 2009

LOL I love what the other posters have to say on this. I totally agree with them. Use your caller ID and if you don't pick up for the slackers who call off then they will be less apt to call you. I never go in on my off days and when I do pick up the phone on the rare call, I usually get: "Oh, sorry but you know I HAD to call and ask." lmao I need my time off to ponder why I hate my job enough to not pick up. :smokin:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2009

Think about it in this manner. If patient census suddenly drops and they have to send staff home, management will send you home without a shred of remorse or guilt.

Therefore, you shouldn't feel guilty for refusing to work on your days off. You don't owe your workplace anything on your days off.

DebanamRN, MSN, RN · Feb 5, 2009

My kids are under strict orders not to answer the phone if the hospital calls. I also let it go to voice mail on my cell. I work part time for a reason.

rigidchop · Feb 6, 2009

thanks for all of your replies. i guess i already knew the answer, i just needed some reassurance.

systoly · Feb 6, 2009

Wow. I'm surprised at these posts. I don't like working on my days off and I do have a responsibility to my family, but I try to accomodate when called in on my days off. Sure it's not my fault someone called in, but the nurse who is left without relieve isn't at fault either. Besides, I have called in before myself. If the call ins keep coming, I ask for an alternate day off the following week. The response usually tells me wether the call in is a convenience issue or true desperation. I guess I better get ready to be crucified now.

Fiona59 · Feb 6, 2009

My question is "don't you use availability sheets?". I let my manager know what days I will consider coming in. If she needs me,calls but only on those days. I rarely hear from the staffing clerk otherwise.

They know I work part time for a reason.

rigidchop · Feb 7, 2009

we have a schedule, one month at a time. i'm full time, and honestly i never want to work extra.