Better to just call-in?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I work twice a month on a med/surg floor. I have a full-time job at another facility.

About four weeks ago, I submitted my schedule request and got the days I asked for.

Last week, I found out that I need to go to a conference out of state (for my full-time job) and will be gone on one of the days I requested. This conference is about four weeks away.

I explained the situation, apologized, and submitted a request to be removed from the schedule that day (which is three weeks away).

I am now being asked to find someone to switch with? I'm only available a few days a month, and I'm currently scheduled for those days. I don't have the ability to switch with anyone. I realize this puts our manager in somewhat of a bind, but I would expect that three weeks is enough time to find a replacement. I didn't want to leave the floor short, so I tried to inform them as soon as possible. Some people might have just called in sick that day. Would that have been the better thing to do?

Specializes in Utilization Management.

What a shame that your manager would take the chance that you might just quit the job rather than juggle air to find a replacement.

She has a month's notice and she knows all the players, after all.

I think you should ask how to go about finding someone to switch with you, that is, get names and phone numbers - which the facility will likely not give you. You can then explain that it's pretty impossible to try to get someone whose name and number you do not have.

Once you have done that - and do it today - remind them that you cannot work whatever date it is. Put it in writing to the DOn, staffing person, whoever needs it, and keep a copy. Expect crap if it's anything like places I've worked. Yes, 3 weeks should be more than sufficient notice.

Yes, sometimes it is so much simpler to just call off.

Specializes in ICU/CCU, CVICU, Trauma.
I work twice a month on a med/surg floor. I have a full-time job at another facility.

About four weeks ago, I submitted my schedule request and got the days I asked for.

Last week, I found out that I need to go to a conference out of state (for my full-time job) and will be gone on one of the days I requested. This conference is about four weeks away.

I explained the situation, apologized, and submitted a request to be removed from the schedule that day (which is three weeks away).

I am now being asked to find someone to switch with? I'm only available a few days a month, and I'm currently scheduled for those days. I don't have the ability to switch with anyone. I realize this puts our manager in somewhat of a bind, but I would expect that three weeks is enough time to find a replacement. I didn't want to leave the floor short, so I tried to inform them as soon as possible. Some people might have just called in sick that day. Would that have been the better thing to do?

Sorry - you asked for those days to work and were granted those days. It is YOUR responsibility to find someone to switch. Just because it is not your fulltime job does not mean that you are not responsible.

Specializes in MR Peds, geris, psych, DON,ADON,SSD.
Sorry - you asked for those days to work and were granted those days. It is YOUR responsibility to find someone to switch. Just because it is not your fulltime job does not mean that you are not responsible.

As a former Director of Nursing and nurse manager. I totally agree with Ann

As a former Director of Nursing and nurse manager. I totally agree with Ann

True, I did ask for that day. I'm not someone who habitually needs to make schedule changes. This hospital has a float pool, and uses agency nurses. It's three weeks away. How am I to find someone to work on that day. I think that's a bit much. It would seem that they would appreciate that someone was responsible enough to let them know early. While not right, it seems that calling in would have been better.

Wow, I feel bad. I don't know what the solution is.

Specializes in LDRP.

if you call in sick now, they'll know you're faking it. b/c how coincidental that you'd request a day off, don't get it, then get sick that day?

(though i've known people who've done it, called in instead of switching days)

where i work if we need to switch, post a note up at the nurses station with your name, # and offer to switch. offer to work a less desireable shift (weekend, evening, etc) and you're more likely to get a reply.

Specializes in Corrections, neurology, dialysis.

Eww. I think it's always bad form to call in sick on a day you had requested off. Some places will terminate you immediately. Others won't but it will leave a bad taste in their mouths and probably won't be very good about granting any requests later. Just an observation.

Don't call in, it will be too obvious.

I agree with Ann, you got the schedule you requested and the schedule is final. Once it's final any days needed off should be up to the employee. Wherever I have worked it has been like that.

No, I didn't mean call in now. I've let them know that I can't be there. I meant that it would have been better if I would have just called in on that date. I thought giving as much notice as possible would be appreciated, but I was wrong.

I know I requested that date, but sometimes things happen. I've never done this before. I just expected a little understanding.

As a former Director of Nursing and nurse manager. I totally agree with Ann

As a nursing supervisor, I also realize that when I try to help the nurse when things come up like this, you are more likely to retain the nurses longer and they are more likely to help me out in a pinch when I need a favor. ;)

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