Do people take advantage of me because I work nights?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 17, 2012

People can't take advantage of you unless you allow them to. And yes, they are taking advantage of you. If it's for a date two weeks in the future, why are they calling at home? Why not ask you before you leave for the day? If they were calling me at home, unless it's an absolute emergency/dire situation such as a mass casualty incident, then I would tell them that they can talk to me before I leave at the end of my next shift.

Also, does your work have both your home and cell phone numbers? If I were in your situation, I would only give them one, and let the school have the other. That way you can silence the phone they know and your kids can still get in touch with you. I only use a cell phone, but I have the hospital's number set to a certain ring tone that no other number uses. That way, if I'm not on call I don't answer the phone. If it's something important, they can leave a message and I can call back if necessary. My time is exactly that- mine.

Also, caller ID is your friend. I'm a big call screener. If I don't recognize the number, I don't answer it (and sometimes even when I do). Again, voicemail if it's important. Keeps me from having to talk to those pesky telemarketers who call even though I'm on the do not call list.

caliotter3 · Jun 17, 2012

I use different ringtones for my employers and screen my calls that way. I suggest that for a solution to your problem. They can't guilt you into doing what you don't want to do if you don't answer your phone. Only you control whether or not you answer your phone when you are not at work.

Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2012

Look at a calendar before saying Yes or No. If you have plans say No.If you keep saying Yes, they will keep calling. And it is up to you to check your calendar before saying Yea or No.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2012

There are simple solutions to this. #1. Do not answer your phone if work is calling and you're trying to sleep. #2. Practice saying NO. Why would you agree to work Wednesday in 2 weeks for someone without looking at your calendar? You tell them that you need to check and then after you look at your calendar, you say "Sorry, I can't work for you. I have plans on July 4th."

demylenated, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2012

Use a different ringtone. You can even set their number to vibrate only.

Also, tell them you will look at your calendar and get back to them. I mean if they are telling you it is 2 weeks away... you have enough time to tell them you'll get back with them. At the very least, ask what the date it. Be proactive with yourself and your shifts. Send them to Voice-mail until you can learn to stand up to them a little bit. They may be taking advantage of you, but you are allowing them!!! Learn ways to stand up to them. Start by saying, in advance, i am able and willing to work these shifts if you need me on these days. Otherwise the answer will be no, so do not call. Or, always tell them to call between certain hours, and always tell them you need to check your calendar before you give them an answer. That way you are looking out for your interest, but also showing you are a team player and willing to pick up other shifts.

sauconyrunner · Jun 17, 2012

I just keep thinking, like Nancy Reagan said back in the day, "Just say No". No one is taking advantage of you, though I have to admit, the "2 wednesdays from now" is a bit sneaky.

Since they are waking you up, just tell them, "Im not sure, Ill let you know later today."

AOx1 · Jun 17, 2012

I never answer a phone call from work. I let it go straight to voicemail. I also love the call control app (Blackberry or Android).

frankie,RN · Jun 17, 2012

thanks to all for your advice. i must admit though, I answer the phone because I'm worried they may have a question pertaining to something that may have happened related to my shift. I swore after after the memorial day incident that I would never commit to a shift until after i looked at a calender. i looked at my schedule today and noticed i'm working fathers day too. didnt know that. i'm usually off on sundays. i dont say anything because i need the money to pay $500/credit for rn-bsn, and i really dont want to get on the schedule coordinator's bad side or i possibly wont get any shifts. maybe things will get better after i finsh school. thanks everyone. :)

ProBeeRN, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2012

It took me a while to learn to "just say no". I still have problems with it sometimes. Screen your calls from work, if it's important, they will leave a voicemail and you can call them back. Or get a cheap prepaid minutes phone to use for work calls only and turn it off while you're sleeping. Much easier to avoid them that way :-)

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2012

dont let people walk all over you...no one can take advantage of you unless you let them. and youre letting them. if you have plans, then say no! simple.

and if you need the money as you said, then don't complain! :)

Mulan · Jun 17, 2012

I remember that same thing from when I first started.

They call, wake you up, you don't have chance to think about it and you automatically say yes.

From now on, if you can't screen your calls, always say "I'll have to check on it and get back to you" or just automatically say "no".