Do you ever get disappointed when certain nurses call in?

Updated:   Published

Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.

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For most nurses, call-ins are undesirable because they lead to shorter staffing, longer shifts and more difficult workloads.  I would agree with all of this.   However, I've noticed that I become especially disappointed when certain nurses call in.  I almost feel like calling in myself when I know they'll be gone just because I know the workday won't go as smoothly.  I think I also become disappointed simply because I look forward to seeing them.  They make the workplace more pleasant.   Somehow, the mood of the whole atmosphere changes when they are gone.  It also means that they'll likely be replaced by a staff member I'm probably not as fond of.  It's probably wrong to feel this way, but hopefully I'm not the only one that can relate to enjoying working with certain coworkers. 

Anyone else relate? 

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Of course people can like working with some coworkers more than others. That's just human nature. 

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab, General Hospital Medical.

Absolutely! Sometimes I get happy when bad coworkers call off LOL. But when my favorites aren't there or call out, it's definitely a bad vibe for the day.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

Or when someone you like working with is there but gets pulled to another unit or area. Such a downer.

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Sometimes I let out a mental CHEER when good hardworking CNAs or RNs get tired of being mistreated and stick it to the unit. Sure I may have to work hard, but I do it with a smirk.

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

Everyone brings joy to the workplace . Some when they show up....some when they leave

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On 12/29/2021 at 3:36 AM, DesiDani said:

Sometimes I let out a mental CHEER when good hardworking CNAs or RNs get tired of being mistreated and stick it to the unit. Sure I may have to work hard, but I do it with a smirk.

I forgot. Especially when a leach doesn't have their tool to run ragged and that person can't find a replacement for the shift.

Gotta get wise eventually

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Specializes in Corrections.

I remember when a nurse that I loved working with was supposed to come in. We both worked PRN at the facility so we never got to see each other often. I was so excited because I knew no matter how busy the night was we would be able to handle it. When I got to work I saw a nurse that I am polite with but not super close with. Yea I was disappointed that I couldn't see the other nurse and have a great night but that's life. I have some nights that I don't speak much to my coworkers and other night were we just can't shut up (after all task and work is complete of course). Some people are easier to get along with.  

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On 12/26/2021 at 7:18 PM, SilverBells said:

sad-coworker-calls-off.jpg.e92789f3068a3e0654604adecbdf5702.jpg

For most nurses, call-ins are undesirable because they lead to shorter staffing, longer shifts and more difficult workloads.  I would agree with all of this.   However, I've noticed that I become especially disappointed when certain nurses call in.  I almost feel like calling in myself when I know they'll be gone just because I know the workday won't go as smoothly.  I think I also become disappointed simply because I look forward to seeing them.  They make the workplace more pleasant.   Somehow, the mood of the whole atmosphere changes when they are gone.  It also means that they'll likely be replaced by a staff member I'm probably not as fond of.  It's probably wrong to feel this way, but hopefully I'm not the only one that can relate to enjoying working with certain coworkers. 

Anyone else relate? 

Yes    but we have to just keep on going.

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Specializes in nursing ethics.

You mean nurses of the opposite sex? Is it personal? Nothing wrong with that. Some nurses may be glad when someone calls in I suppose

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Specializes in Dialysis.
1 hour ago, Mywords1 said:

You mean nurses of the opposite sex? Is it personal? Nothing wrong with that. Some nurses may be glad when someone calls in I suppose

No, not opposite sex. Just some people get along better

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

On the flip side of things, I used to be pleased when a 50 something gero psych CNA/tech, Fren Bren, would call off. She didn't like me, and would often call off if she were scheduled to work with me.

Fren Bren typically required more attention and service than those she served.

I once told Fren Bren that unless she had something to say to me about the patients or her duties to not say anything to me. 

A couple of examples when Fren Bren was sitting on 1:1's:

She cell phoned the NS requesting a BR break. After a few minutes, when the RN came to relive her, she found that Fren Bren had already relieved herself in the chair in which was sitting.

Another time, whenever the sleeping 1:1 patient changed positions, Fren Bren would call the NS.

I once said when Fren Bren sat on a 1:1, that it would do more good for the staff for the patient to be chained to a dead dog. 

 

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