Contacted multiple times for same empty shift

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Specializes in Public health program evaluation.
Sure, I'll call you back.

Lessee- you left me a message at about 2pm, the middle of my sleep session, so I'll return your call at about 2am, the middle of your sleep session.

Can I have your home phone number?

!

LOVE IT

Specializes in Public health program evaluation.
The problem at this job is they don't have an organized way of keeping track of who has been contacted. On different days different people just go down the list.

I face the same problem at my agency.

Specializes in Public health program evaluation.
In the olden days, we would get a piece of paper, like in a notebook, and write down who we called, when, and response.

I don't understand why you say there is no real effective way to keep track of previously made calls. I'm sure the same method I described could still be done by hand or even on a computer.

LOL! Good ole paper and pen! *Facepalm*

azhiker96, BSN, RN

1,129 Posts

Specializes in PACU, ED.

I got two calls during my recent out of state vacation to see if I could cover a sick call. Um, nope. I'm not even in the same time zone.

Usually a simple no is sufficient but if I'm pressed my go to phrase is "I have family commitments". Those could be a concert with my wife, grocery shopping, playing catch with the dogs, or taking a nap. It really doesn't matter because it is my personal time and none of their business.

I used to work at a place that would offer callback time as an incentive. That would sometimes get me to cancel my yardwork plans in favor of time and a half.

Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

At one time, our (former) DON pulled out all the stops, simply because if the must-staff case had no one to cover a shift, SHE would have to do it herself. After that happened a couple of times, she hired one of her RN friends to cover the shift and paid her on her own, privately.

I admit, if I had to be the Office Manager and Supervisor and the DON, and open charts, I sure as heck wouldn't want to have to go out in the field to cover a 12 hr shift!

I've said it before: I'd rather be a 'grunt' doing the scut work, and wipe a dirty butt all day long, than to have to be in the office in any job with a phone, a computer, or 'ultimate' responsibility for everything and everybody. Management is in the middle and I'd druther have a window seat or ride hanging on to the bumper than have to beg one side and justify to the other side. No amt of money would/could make me take that job!

AvaRose

191 Posts

I got a call like this the day after I was off orientation. Lovely charge nurse called me at 0300 to ask me to come to work at 0700. I mumbled something along the lines of im sleeping and hung up. Maybe not all that polite but neither was calling me in the middle of the night after a hellish nightmare first solo shift (full of blood and dementia patients gone wild and RRTs).

Sdee, BSN

8 Posts

Specializes in ER..

No. No. No. I am not available. We now have a system where group texts are sent to all off duty staff requiring contact with admin only if you want to work. As the night resource likes to send them around 5 AM, I enable the Do Not Disturb feature on my phone

Really, as I am up there in years, I do not have any desire to work any extra. After years of being guilted to work an extra weekend, extra holiday, cover for coworkers kids' birthdays/concerts/sports schedules....I'm done. This is my time. Sorry, but not my problem. Saying no does get easier

blondy2061h, MSN, RN

1 Article; 4,094 Posts

Specializes in Oncology.

Tell them you were on an electronics fast

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

IMO, when called asking if you want to work a shift, you should answer the phone or return the call at least once. After that, if they keep calling with requests for the same shift, feel free to ignore the calls.

And I am all for screening calls and using the Do Not Disturb mode. When I am on my time, I will answer or return a call whenever I am ready to.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN

1 Article; 4,094 Posts

Specializes in Oncology.
In the olden days, we would get a piece of paper, like in a notebook, and write down who we called, when, and response.

I don't understand why you say there is no real effective way to keep track of previously made calls. I'm sure the same method I described could still be done by hand or even on a computer.

This is exactly what we do. Every unit keeps a list of their staff members' phone numbers. It says whether calls can be done to cell, home or both and whether they want to be called for OT on days, nights, both, or never. Then when we need OT just right down the applicable names and what time they were called and what the response was.

If you already told them you are not available, then I wouldn't call them back. Or you can call back one final time to say just what you said in this post-That you've been made aware of this "opportunity" several times and you have already made it clear that you are not available. Also a polite request that the caller cease with the calls after they have their answer. If you have a union, a call to your rep to clarify your rights might be helpful. Then you can remind the caller of those rights.

The first day I met one of my immediate supervisor he

tried a bunch of angles to get me to work more. He cajoled me with "you'll make more money" and I said "yes, thank you for your concern about my financial welfare. If I need more shifts I know to call you." He tried "the other nurses work overtime regularly" and I responded "how great for them to have that drive to take advantage of that opportunity. If I need more shifts I know to call you." He said "we need your help" and I said "oh I bet this massive state institution will be okay without me being overworked. If I need more shifts I know to call you."

He tried some other tactics and my response was always a variant of "If I need more shifts I know to call you." He has never pestered me like that again, but I hear him on the phone wearing other nurses down. We have a very friendly, colligate relationship.

I bet the scheduler(s) at your work have a least one nurse that they know not to call incessantly because it will be fruitless. Figure out how to be that nurse by setting firm boundaries, not answering more than one call about a shift, and getting the union involved. Also turn off the ringer when alseep. Ain't nobody got time for that.

JayHanig

149 Posts

Specializes in Orthopedics, Med-Surg.

Also, I get mad when people call me in the middle of the day if I'm sleeping; how about I call you in the middle of the night to see if you want to work? OH WAIT, you're already on the schedule, SORRY to wake you!

Back when I worked nights, I used to have a manager who'd call me in the middle of my sleep period to try to guilt me into coming in at 1500 instead of 2300. "What 're you doing?", she'd ask. "Sleeping," I'd say. "Must be nice to sleep all day", she'd say.

I'd finally had enough of it and reamed that woman out but good. I used every phrase in my very wide vocabulary (I come from a military family and paid attention when I was young!) and hung up on her. I'm pretty sure she was not accustomed to being spoken to in that way.

The next time I went in she immediately called me into her office. "You wanted to see me, Mary? What's up?"

She told me the way I'd spoken to her was unacceptable. I looked shocked and said, "I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't talked to you since the last time I was here. You're saying you called me at home? When?.... I must have been asleep but I sure don't remember talking to anyone."

I got away with it. She stopped calling me at home too.

As for the calls to come in even after they've been told "No"? An inflexible policy of NEVER going in unless you want the overtime will fix that. They eventually learn not to even bother asking. They did with me. The only time I'd answer a call from the hospital was when I was already scheduled. I was always willing to be called off.

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