Being called in too much?

[GhostOfTheSun]

So far I've only been a CNA for about a month. Ever since I got out of training I have been constantly receiving phone calls from my boss asking if I could come in. At first it was just one phone call a day. Now its grown to 5. Our job description says that we only have to work 34.5 hours and be considered full time. Its almost as if she's expecting 46 hours out of us. I mean thats honestly the only way I can get her off my back is to work overtime EVERY week. If not, I get calls starting at 5am wanting me to come in. She seems like a really nice person but...I kind of think this has gone too far. I mean I'll do whatever I can for my co-workers when I'm at work......but if its my day off then don't bother me.

Anyone else have this sort of problem? Any suggestions?

[kserasera]

Truthfully, it's because you always say yes and they know it. It's okay to say no if you don't feel like you can work that day or it's too much for you. I have learned to say, "No, I'm sorry. I have plans." Or "I'll think about it. I'll call you and let you know." because I couldn't say no with them looking at me intently but I could when I was at home.

[CoffeemateCNA]

I am thoroughly convinced that the inventor of "Silent mode" and the "Reject call" functions for cell phones was an angry CNA who was sick of being disturbed and harassed at all hours of the day (and night) by their understaffed facility.

Make good use of them.

And if they are calling your home phone, get a cell phone and have your place of employment change your contact number.

[yousoldtheworld]

This has happened pretty much everywhere I've ever worked! THe more you say yes, the more they're going to bother you.

Not answering the phone works wonders.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

Yup, I say NO all the time and I don't feel guilty about it anymore.

[interceptinglight, CNA]

Seems like they target the new employees because they're not sure about saying 'No' at first. I did the same thing in the beginning of my employment -- I took anybody's shift who simply didn't want to be at work that day, even if they didn't reciprocate by taking one of my shifts. I've taken over people's shifts when they have a sudden freak-out about something and have to rush home.....or perhaps they have a migraine...... These days I Just Say No to anyone wanting me to take their shifts and I've earned my oats. I've worked when I have a family crises at home....I've worked when I'm dead tired and my back is killing me.....I've worked when I'm very sick and coughing just because I don't want to get written up for calling in......I even walked to work in the snow one day because our car was kaput and I didn't know anyone who could give me a ride.....the shift that night was a killer but I just sucked it up and did my job. I take no one else's shifts and I don't ask anyone else to take mine, either.

[LaterAlligator]

Just don't answer the phone if you don't want to go in. If you need the extra money, go for it, but otherwise stop picking up the phone on your days off. If anyone asks you about it, say you were busy. Your days off are your time.

[CNA2day]

If I do not want to work I do not pick up my phone! I have never scanned my phonecalls in my life, but now that I am a CNA I scan my phone calls!