DOC Guilt-Tripping Me To Accept Call-Ins

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I work night shifts full-time at a LTC and every single time I get called in, it is not the scheduling clerk who calls me but the DRC who guilt trips me into saying yes to the shift. I get called into work every other weekend, asking if I can work an evening shift before my scheduled night shift. She repeatedly says that "she's in dire need of an RN and how she really needs my help this week". But she says this every other weekend as my LTC works on a 2 week schedule. Am I wrong to feel guilty that I say no this week? 

Specializes in Peds ED.

Just say no. Don’t answer on days off, answer and say no. A “dire emergency” that happens this regularly is poor staffing, not an emergency.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

You should always honor your professional obligation and go to work every time you are called in and yes you should feel guilty for being so selfish said no nurse ever.

Seriously, you can't expect anyone one on this message board to say anything other than to not feel guilty.

Of course they are in need of help and it's often "dire".  But no don't feel guilty and like the others say, don't answer your phone.  Live your life and work and go in only when you feel like you can handle it and/or could use the extra money.

We're human, we can't help but feel a little guilty when turning down to come in and help because we all know what it's like to work short handed and how happy we are when someone comes in to help and how miserable it is when they can't find anyone.  But got to let that roll off your back.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.
43 minutes ago, Tweety said:

We're human, we can't help but feel a little guilty when turning down to come in and help because we all know what it's like to work short handed and how happy we are when someone comes in to help and how miserable it is when they can't find anyone.  But got to let that roll off your back.

I must be a robot then! But seriously, my time of ever feeling guilty out of obligation came and went a long time ago. It is a freeing feeling.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
4 hours ago, JadedCPN said:

I must be a robot then! But seriously, my time of ever feeling guilty out of obligation came and went a long time ago. It is a freeing feeling.

For me it's more of "gee I know my coworkers are going through a rough time and I know how that feels" kind of acknowledgement and not really any kind of lingering guilt.  More of a thought that comes and goes.  

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Specializes in OB.

LOL!  I'm always baffled by nurses who worry that they will get in trouble or "a bad rep" for not accepting overtime. What are they gonna do---fire you and then be even more short?  If you don't want to work extra, either don't pick up the phone at all (my method of choice) or simply say you can't and don't give an excuse, as one is not required.  They'll learn quickly that they can no longer treat you like a doormat.

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On 11/27/2020 at 6:58 PM, MunoRN said:

DRC= Democratic Republic of the Congo?  I'm also confused as to why a central African nation is calling a nurse to see if they can work extra.

Here to salute you for knowing DRC is in central Africa. As for OP, I empathize with your frustration. My biggest professional regret is spending 2 years wilting away in LTC/SNF. Ugh ??‍♂️ 

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Sis, you are under NO obligation to answer that phone or work anything you aren't scheduled for ahead of time. Just don't answer. Straight to VM, delete without listening, show up on time for your normally scheduled shift. If they ask why you didn't come sooner - you didn't get their call. The end. 

No guilt. They will never fix this themselves as long as you keep fixing it for them.

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Specializes in OB.
21 minutes ago, Nurse SMS said:

They will never fix this themselves as long as you keep fixing it for them.

This!!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.
1 hour ago, Nurse SMS said:

No guilt. They will never fix this themselves as long as you keep fixing it for them.

And even then, they probably won't fix it! But its not your burden to worry about.

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Specializes in Operating room, ER, Home Health.
On 11/27/2020 at 2:51 PM, amanda269 said:

I work night shifts full-time at a LTC and every single time I get called in, it is not the scheduling clerk who calls me but the DRC who guilt trips me into saying yes to the shift. I get called into work every other weekend, asking if I can work an evening shift before my scheduled night shift. She repeatedly says that "she's in dire need of an RN and how she really needs my help this week". But she says this every other weekend as my LTC works on a 2 week schedule. Am I wrong to feel guilty that I say no this week? 

She is in dire straits because she might have to work. No you should not feel guilty for saying no. If this happens every other weekend it means the facility is understaffed and doesn’t want to do anything about it. Does the other weekends have the same problem. 

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Specializes in Operating room, ER, Home Health.
On 11/27/2020 at 6:54 PM, Nunya said:

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't get your call, I was sleeping in preparation for night shift" if you feel you need an excuse....

You can add that you put your phone on silence while you are sleeping. 

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I wouldnt answer the phone. If you do I would tell them you have plans that cant be broken. Realize that if they keep calling you like this that this IS their plan to keep the place staffed. That might make you feel less guilty. Everyone needs a good work/ life balance so don't feel bad about saying no.

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