I have a job that is forever short staffed and scrambling to 'plug holes' in the nursing schedule. On a daily basis, either through a phone call, text, or email, someone is appealing for a volunteer to come in early (or on a day off), or to stay over. Yes, I understand that nursing is 24/7, 365, and that 'things happen'-i.e. unforseen circumstances. However, though I consider myself a dedicated employee, I am more into my work/life balance than making extra $$. Frankly, I would like to figure out a way to work less not more. I feel like by not agreeing to these requests, it casts us in the light of not being team players or willing to 'help out' and I honestly, I am growing a little weary of it all! Any suggestions appreciated
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Not all nurse managers are sociopaths who work their nurses to the ground while going home to their soft warm beds. I don't go home in the afternoon until I know the nurses are doing okay and have things handled. And if we're short nurses or suddenly get slammed and can't find another nurse to come in at double time, then I come in on the weekend or overnight (without additional compensation, as I'm salaried) and work. That's what 24/7 responsibility means.
Not all nurse managers are sociopaths who work their nurses to the ground while going home to their soft warm beds. I don't go home in the afternoon until I know the nurses are doing okay and have things handled. And if we're short nurses or suddenly get slammed and can't find another nurse to come in at double time, then I come in on the weekend or overnight (without additional compensation, as I'm salaried) and work. That's what 24/7 responsibility means.
Wow Klone! I'm totally impressed with your level of dedication and commitment to your staff and your patients. After many years of nursing, I can tell you from firsthand experience that you are a rare breed indeed-kudos!
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
16 hours ago, klone said:
Not all nurse managers are sociopaths who work their nurses to the ground while going home to their soft warm beds. I don't go home in the afternoon until I know the nurses are doing okay and have things handled. And if we're short nurses or suddenly get slammed and can't find another nurse to come in at double time, then I come in on the weekend or overnight (without additional compensation, as I'm salaried) and work. That's what 24/7 responsibility means.
I've definitely had non-sociopathic nurse managers. And I've had sociopathic ones. Most of us appreciate the difference.
You are a gem. Seriously. Your staff are lucky to have you.
Agreed! I've had many nurse managers and although I've known several that, on occasion, would stay over, I have never known one to come in on a weekend or on the night shift to help out. My take aways from these responses was 'so sorry, make it work somehow'...bye!
When I still did the floor, I would throw a bone every once in awhile, but made it clear I didn't plan on doing it on a full-time basis.
Remember...you may need a favor from management. So offering to help in a pinch works in your favor, but all the time...that's an issue with poor management.
I've learned very few managers are willing to self-reflect on why people are leaving. People don't quit jobs, they quit managers.
I get the coworkers needing help bit, but when do you last recall your nurse manager pitching in to cover a graveyard shift. Heck, I can't barely contact mine after hours, let alone to come in to work over. SMH
I actually have a wonderful nurse manager that has done that. On a WEEKEND. But she is only one body, and her hands are tied from admin re: staffing. It's a never ending circle of UGH.
Not all nurse managers are sociopaths who work their nurses to the ground while going home to their soft warm beds. I don't go home in the afternoon until I know the nurses are doing okay and have things handled. And if we're short nurses or suddenly get slammed and can't find another nurse to come in at double time, then I come in on the weekend or overnight (without additional compensation, as I'm salaried) and work. That's what 24/7 responsibility means.
And honestly, nurse managers answer to the suits.... I know our manager would love to be able to make things better for us, but there is only so much she can do without approval from the higher ups. I know for a fact our hospital admins are working our nurse managers to the bone.... turnover for management is HIGH. Very high.
I will rarely come in on a day off, but I don't mind staying over four hours at double-time pay. I know my patients well, get to see the day nurses I'm friendly with, and time just flies by when there's a big change of scenery at shift change. I only work one day a week, so an extra long day once in a while is alright.
klone, MSN, RN
14,857 Posts
Last month, actually. Came in at 7pm after working 7a-4p, and worked until 5am, when my patient was delivered and recovered.