Being called in to work extra.. ALL. THE. TIME!

theradiantforce · May 9, 2016

Yes, all the time. It comes with the territory depending on what type of nursing you are doing. ItÂ´s really important to know whether or not you can deal with this type of schedule, and itÂ´s okay if it takes awhile for you to learn that about yourself. Honestly, the great thing about nursing is the many options and specialties out there. I know nurses who work straight day shift hours, with no OT required, and no call, weekends, or holidays. Then I know the ones like myself who work crazy hours, weekends, holidays, OT.

I donÂ´t mind my schedule because it works for me. However, I do know that eventually, IÂ´ll change from being in this crazy busy mode and desire something a bit more predictable. If you know that your current job is too demanding, I would say maybe itÂ´s time to start sticking your foot out the door and looking for something with less demanding time requirements. In the meantime, try to establish that you donÂ´t prefer OT or on call. If your job is anything like mine, then you have coworkers who are more than happy to pick up extra shifts.

chacha82, ADN, BSN · May 9, 2016

Just say no. I used to feel like I had to give a reason, but I don't anymore. Keep your phone turned off. If you're full time and working your three or four a week, you don't owe them beyond that. "I'm sorry, I can't come in." End of story. I used to pick up more but I've been feeling burned out lately.

JerseyTomatoMDCrab, BSN · May 9, 2016

I used to be the person making those calls when I was charge nurse for the day. Trust me, they are used to getting ignored or told no.

My per diem job was the worst. I did routine m/s and tele and they called me to work the ICU at least once a week. I would constantly tell them "I am not experienced or comfortable working in the ICU" but they really just wanted a warm body for staffing. Scary!

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · May 9, 2016

I work a FT clinic job, so my weekend job is fun money. I do a scheduled every third weekend and pickup beyond that what I want. If I don't want what's offered, I say no. It's really pretty easy. And liberating. I suggest you all try it!

Bob Loblaw · May 9, 2016

I stick to my 36/week, but @ my place you're not a 'team player" if you don't answer the call and "help them out". That comes back up @ yearly evaluations and things like vacation scheduling etc. It's a you don't have to come it but we wont forget or forgive you not coming in.

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · May 9, 2016

I stick to my 36/week, but @ my place you're not a 'team player" if you don't answer the call and "help them out". That comes back up @ yearly evaluations and things like vacation scheduling etc. It's a you don't have to come it but we wont forget or forgive you not coming in.

That is so wrong. I don't understand why employers think they will retain good workers with this type of backdoor retaliation. I rarely want to work OT when I have put my 40 hours in, I show up time, call off only if I am literally puking (Which happens like every other year), and I am good employee. I enjoy a work/life balance and if an employer did that to me it would be really disappointing.

But I understand feeling bad OP. I just work PRN right now and my boss is very nice. I always feel bad when I have to tell her no because she isn't an ass about it. But I am in school which she knew up front so I don't feel bad for too long.

summerly · May 9, 2016

A prior employer called me ALL THE TIME. Days off, vacation days, when I was out of town. I started ignoring their calls after dealing with years of going in on days off due to guilt, just to get sick from doing too much. Then dealing with guilt from not going in. And the guilt trips that they would give us for not coming in and being a "team player." It was emotional abuse. Don't play their game. At least with it going to voicemail, I can't get talked into coming in.

Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP · May 10, 2016

I get calls for day and night shift both, usually once or twice a day. I blocked that number about a year ago and have been much happier ever since. I don't work OT very much because I know it will burn me out. But I'm also never late and haven't called out sick in almost 2 years, so it's not like I'm a slacker who isn't a team player.

Firebabe26 · May 13, 2016

Our unit council requested and received parameters for our staffing office. If we are on nights, they are not allowed to call between 9am and 4pm on the days when we have worked the night before. No calls, texts, etc. It is our sleeping time. I always remember what a fifty year nurse recently told me -they will work you to death if they can. Set and keep limits. I know I'm not the best nurse I can be if I am exhausted. I have a hard time saying no, so I ask my family before I pick up. Sounds juvenile, but it helps me balance my life.

RNKPCE · May 13, 2016

Even if you only work a couple days a week you have no obligation to work more. I work 3 eight hour days for a reason and that is to have a life and not get burned out. Caller ID is your friend. I feel bad for the secretary or charge nurse who has to make all the calls but oh well.

nrssnow · May 14, 2016

My jobcalls to ask me to work every single day that I am off. I love to answer the phone. I love telling them what fun thing I'm doing as to why I can't come in. It's my own little piece of fun.

Keep in mind I already work one or two extra days most weeks. If you need the day off or your schedules switched, they won't help you to save your life.

Steffy44 · May 14, 2016

I just say no. They stopped calling once they figured out I wasn't going to say yes. There are enough young ones willing to work 13 hours a day, 7 days a week. I'm too old...my 47 year old feet are my reminder. I made the mistake of volunteering ONCE out of guilt. Suddenly you are extra and floated to the crappiest job they have available b