When I graduated nursing school, I had no idea what low census was. When I got a job, I had no idea what low census was. I quickly learned what it was. And I have to admit, I love it. In our contract, it says low census is optional - that is, we don't have to take it if we don't want to. We also have the option of "no pay" or to use your PTO. You can either call well before your shift and tell staffing that you would like to be put down on the low census list, or if they don't have volunteers, they'll call people scheduled to work. I'm a full time employee, but I take a LOT of low census. In fact, on the days I'm scheduled to work, I ask to be put down on the low census list. Not only that, it's come to the point that they know me by voice now, and when I call, before I tell them who I am, they say "Ok, we will put you down for low census". This week I only worked 1 day. I have earned the reputation as the "low census god" at work by my coworkers (very affectionately). Now with that said, I have a question for those of you in management/experience, etc.... Does this make me look bad at all? I mean, I absolutely love taking the night off when they give it to me. I talked to some nurses and they said that it doesn't, in fact, it's a good thing because I'm saving the hospital a lot of money. WHat are your thoughts?
Hooray! No sooner did I post that message that they called me and asked if I wanted the night off! Hooray! They called me WAY early, and said they are WAY overstaffed. it's time like these that I love the job that I have.
You love the job you have? It sounds like you loathe it since you never go.
Just out of curiosity who is paying your bills as it seems you really dont want to and can afford not to work...
As sipping martinis on a Hawaiin beach cost money. I would think you would want to work as much as you can so you can enjoy a nice holiday vs staying home and vacuuming.
If it works for you, fine. The only thing I would recommend to do differently is, instead of always requesting off, put down that if someone else wants off they should get it. You can say this when called, as well. This way you're acknowledging that someone else may occasionally want low census, and not making yourself look like you don't care so long as you get yours.
I wonder though, if you don't want to work why not just lower your FTE status?
i have to maintain fte for benefits. I love the people I work with, I just don't care for the institution/how it is operated. i agree about taking too much low census... next week i am definitely going to work. thanks guys!
eek. Smallest child has been at my computer! :grn: sorry for the jumble. :) Ivanna
I said thank you because I thought it was funny. I have done this exact same thing when I wasn't paying attention in an email and had already hit send before I caught it. Seems like the computer beeping at me would have clued me in. Ah nope.
Oh don't get me wrong I don't want to work either. Not in the least bit. I would be right next to you on the beach drinking a bahama mama. If I could find a rich husband then hey I would be the best housewife ever (still might work a day or two a month to keep my skills up though). But since I do have to work I picked something that I really enjoy doing as a career. Oh and I don't like school either but I am about to enroll in a RN-BSN-MSN program. Call me crazy?? Well no because true I dislike school with a passion I want to make the best of my career choice. No, I don't have to be a nurse but I sure want to take advantage of what nursing has to offer and encourage those who have to work about this wonderful field.
Are you not liking where you work? If not then maybe you could shadow somewhere else because those vacation days will surely run out. Or better yet you could find a work from home nursing job. I have a friend who did triage from home.
eek. Smallest child has been at my computer! :grn: sorry for the jumble. :) Ivanna
Ha! I spent about 5 minutes trying to figure out what that acronym meant!
Anyways, I am sad to see that passive aggressive behavior is alive and well. OP has asked coworkers if they mind. Coworkers have replied that they are OK (If not thankful) . Most people would not even ask. What more could/should someone do?
Management would (should?) change the rules on low census call out if they felt that frequent takers are under performing, and would (should?) not offer it if full time employment was a criterion for that employees training, skill development or benny's. If management is allowing this to happen, and then turning around and penalizing someone for it, well... Why bother in the first place?
NeoNurseTX, RN
1,803 Posts
You love the job you have? It sounds like you loathe it since you never go.