Feeling guilty and mad at the same time

Shed13911 · Jul 23, 2004

Tell them to quit calling you as you are already working the hours you prefer/need. Quit bugging you and disturbing your home life and family!!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2004

Our staffers are required to call all the staff by policy to try to cover the unit. They don't know or care that you've worked six 12-hour shifts in a row, or only want a certain schedule or no more, they are just doing what they need to do to staff the unit.

Let the answering machine pick up, or just say no without guilt or anger. 100% of the time I never come in when called, I like to schedule my own overtime when I'm in the mood to do it. But they keep calling and I realize they are only doing their job.

If they are allowed to take you off the call list, tell them not to ever call you. But don't waste a lot of energy on anger and guilt. Think of it as a minior irritant.

Destinystar · Jul 23, 2004

its just a numbers game. whenever a unit works short a person just goes through the list of employees who might be able to fill the spot. you are under no obligation to work on a day you are not scheduled. i dont think the unit would have any problem taking your name off of the list if you asked them to do so due to the fact that you are unavailable. my allegiance is to my children. i feel guilty if i have to go to work on my day off because it interferes with my routine with the kids. you are a professional, your time is valuable and reminding your employer what your original agreement was as to your schedule is just good business practice.

hi, how often do you nurses go in to work a shift when called at home? i do a weekend shift 3 12 hr shifts friday, saturday and sunday. the hospital has called me almost everyday this week wanting me to come in and work for call offs busy etc. tuesday morning they called at 5 am wanting me to work a 12 hr shift starting at 7am, wednesday morning they called at 10 am for the 3-11 shift and once again they called this am and i did not even answer the phone. they called again this evening at 545pm to come in for 7p to 11p( i live an hour away) for a one to one in the nursery. my whole beef is i wanted the weekend option for reasons like going to school, i would be here more often for my family etc. now i am getting called to work, work, work. another thing is they have prn nurses that tell managment when they can work etc. i do feel bad but if i had gone into work as they had called i would have 60hrs. i told them on one occassion if they gave me off a day on the weekend i would come in to work but they just laughed and said we cant do that. what's a person-nurse to do?

explorer · Jul 23, 2004

Hi, How often do you nurses go in to work a shift when called at home? I do a weekend shift 3 12 hr shifts Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The hospital has called me almost everyday this week wanting me to come in and work for call offs busy etc. Tuesday morning they called at 5 am wanting me to work a 12 hr shift starting at 7am, Wednesday morning they called at 10 am for the 3-11 shift and once again they called this am and I did not even answer the phone. They called again this evening at 545pm to come in for 7p to 11p( i live an hour away) for a one to one in the nursery. My whole beef is I WANTED the weekend option for reasons like going to school, I would be here more often for my family etc. Now I am getting called to work, work, work. Another thing is they have prn nurses that tell managment when they can work etc. I do feel bad but if I had gone into work as they had called I would have 60hrs. I told them on one occassion if they gave me off a day on the weekend I would come in to work but they just laughed and said we cant do that. What's a person-nurse to do?[/ QUOTE]
If you don't have an answering machine on your telephone to screen your phone calls with, I think that it would be a good idea to get one.

leslie :-D · Jul 23, 2004

i used to have those mixed feelings of guilt and anger until one day i realized that when the chips were down, your mgrs. did not have your back. after that, decisions were much easier.

leslie

moia · Jul 23, 2004

Find the book that has all staff home phone numbers in it and right beside your name write DO NOT CALL for extra shifts.

eak16 · Jul 23, 2004

"no" is not a four letter word.

It is not your job to try and staff he unit appropriately, if it were, you could call yourself a nurse manager and take home a lot more money.

If you are unionized, clarify with your union the terms of your contract dealing with this, and make sure what they are doing is allright. But DONT feel guilty. :smokin:

sharann, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2004

This borders on harassment. I would tell them to stop calling or just let the machine get it. No guilt required. You fullfilled your end of the bargain, your weekend shifts (3 12's OMG).

When I left my other job 3 years ago, I remeber that for ONE WEEK AFTER I had quit they still called me in to work. I said "You guys just don't quit do you, calling ex-employees is pretty sad"

jemb · Jul 23, 2004

I don't see why you feel guilty. They are just doing their job, irritating as it is to you. It's not like you are the only one on their entire staff that could work the shift requested, and I'm sure you aren't the only one that says no.

IloveSnoopy · Jul 23, 2004

I agree,

I too get called quite a bit to cover extra shifts. Three times out of four..I say NO. Like you, I feel guilty for saying "NO"....but then I just think about what a wise old nurse once told me...... "when you go in and work extra on your day off.....don't you feel guilty....guilty for leaving your family?" My time off is precious to me...I use it to get things done around the house, catch up on sleep, and most importantly...spend time with my family and friends. I agree with the whole screening calls thing. I only work one shift...(nights)...so..I know if the phone rings around a certain time...it could very well be work...so instead of answering the call...I let the machine take it. That way they can leave a message and I just don't return the call. It sounds mean of me....but hey..if we don't take care of ourselves...who will? Don't feel guilty.....smile and enjoy the time with your family!!

Hugs,

Snoop

Farkinott, RN · Jul 23, 2004

My unit is often short of staff and they ring in my off time quite often. First port of call is the landline, and if they won' leave a message on the answerfone then tough sh***. Within seconds the mobile phone will go and the calling number is hidden! consequently I don't pick up the fone and I stay sane at home!