Days off

10 hours ago, nurseguy213 said:

 You look forward to your scheduled days off, but then they ask for you to come in... I can't believe the rules that At Will employees can be fired for not coming in when asked by an employer.

If this is actually a policy, I would highly consider looking elsewhere. I know certain facilities can mandate workers to stay/work over time as it part of their organization's policies and whatnot (I.e. mental health facilities) and employees are notified/educated about that before actual employment, but I've never heard of a SNF firing employees for not coming in when asked by their employer. Definitely would look for a job elsewhere.

But yeah, never feel guilty for not picking up the phone or responding to a text about an extra shift. Normally staffing at my location will send out a text, but when staffing is extremely short the manager calls/leaves voicemail. I don't even call back when a voicemail is left. They usually tend to ask why I can't come in or bargain when I used to return the calls, but it's simple, I'll call back or I'll call staffing if I do want a shift. And it always bugs me when management asks why I can't come in extra. None yo bzness.

If they are so short staffed employees are working their scheduled days plus coming in on off days, I HIGHLY doubt they are going to terminate anyone. 

You have a right and duty to YOURSELF to make sure you are safe to work - for yourself, your coworkers and patients. If you are working the hours as indicated above on a continuous basis that is cause of alarm as it would not be safe (in my opinion). 

If the expectation of your employer is to consistently work like you have stated, it would behoove you to look for another job asap. That kind of employment is not sustainable.

Find the policy that states you can be fired for not working your scheduled day off. If it doesn't exist, don't answer or tell them no if they ask in person. You have a duty to be safe, but first and foremost you have a duty to protect your health and mental sanity. You need to rest. 'Me time' is imperative. As someone else said, if they're that short I wouldn't be worried about termination. If they do shoot themselves in the foot, be thankful because they're running you in the ground and abusing you anyway. Nurse burnout is very real!

On 4/21/2021 at 5:31 PM, nurseguy213 said:

I can't believe the rules that At Will employees can be fired for not coming in when asked by an employer. That sounds harsh to me,

Yes. But understand that, in general, at-will employees can be terminated for any reason that is not discriminatory.

On 4/21/2021 at 5:31 PM, nurseguy213 said:

You look forward to your scheduled days off, but then they ask for you to come in

As others have advised you, you need to just say no. You need to get comfortable with that. Just be professional but very straightforward about it, such as, "I'm not available tomorrow." That is it. You don't need to come up with an excuse; you don't owe them any explanation at all. For some people this is a little uncomfortable at first because we have been conditioned to think that this sort of straightforward communication is not "nice." That is wrong. It is nothing. Others' responses are on them and are not about you.

You need to attend to your own needs which have already been mentioned by you and others. You need to be safe at work. And...you also want to avoid resentment and other negative emotions.

Take care of yourself!! ??