Calling out for a mental break?

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Hi, so work transitioned to this new scheduling system. Isn't terrible but not pleasant. Self-scheduling is still there but it isn't. Depending how active your unit scheduler is your schedule could be completely different then what you signed up for if they don't go back and look at what you signed up for.

Long story short in the 42 day period of our schedule shifts can be switched around to meet the needs of the unit. Have to keep on top of things. I may have agreed back in December I can't recall. In Janaury was on X day now X day in a week coming up soon. Basically work 105-110 hours in 2 weeks. Work 4 nights in a row. Take a day off. Then back to work the following day. Originally off for 3 days then back. Now off for 1 back then off for 2 before going back. Pick up on a Monday occasionally only if my Wife is home so I can rest. Monday and Tuesday Wifw works. Tueaday morning have a weekly medical appointment with my daughter. Then maybe get 1 to 2 hours of sleep on Tuesday then just watch my daughter from then on till bedtime.

I am contemplating in advance calling out in a few days that day just for my own sanity and well-being. I feel guilty doing so.

Thoughts on calling out when not sick? Already called out twice when I had COVID. Been on the floor for 6 months.

Appreciate the insight.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
PizzaNurse2023 said:

Hi, so work transitioned to this new scheduling system. Isn't terrible but not pleasant. Self-scheduling is still there but it isn't. Depending how active your unit scheduler is your schedule could be completely different then what you signed up for if they don't go back and look at what you signed up for.

Long story short in the 42 day period of our schedule shifts can be switched around to meet the needs of the unit. Have to keep on top of things. I may have agreed back in December I can't recall. In Janaury was on X day now X day in a week coming up soon. Basically work 105-110 hours in 2 weeks. Work 4 nights in a row. Take a day off. Then back to work the following day. Originally off for 3 days then back. Now off for 1 back then off for 2 before going back. Pick up on a Monday occasionally only if my Wife is home so I can rest. Monday and Tuesday Wifw works. Tueaday morning have a weekly medical appointment with my daughter. Then maybe get 1 to 2 hours of sleep on Tuesday then just watch my daughter from then on till bedtime.

I am contemplating in advance calling out in a few days that day just for my own sanity and well-being. I feel guilty doing so.

Thoughts on calling out when not sick? Already called out twice when I had COVID. Been on the floor for 6 months.

Appreciate the insight.

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Can you not take PTO?

 

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hppygr8ful said:

Can you not take PTO?

 

Schedule is out. Have to have PTO in and approved day before schedule is finalized.

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Ended up calling out for a shift this week. Could tell my body was not feeling good. Since working nights had my 6th cold. Second time having to call out already after catching COVID for the first time. Torn on switching to a day position in the hospital. Worked healthcare almost 12 years and been sick maybe 4 to 6 times in that time frame. Not sure what to do.

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Specializes in School Nurse.

I know you've already taken off, but I just want to encourage you to not feel guilty for having to take off for a mental break/giving your body a break. I've been there and felt guilty, thinking I'm letting down my team. But honestly if we are not mentally in the game and ready for work, we are a liability to our coworkers and patients. 

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