When to say no...new grad burn out

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm just wondering what the groups thoughts are on when to say no to working. I'm full-time, 75 hours bi-weekly, but I am always asked to cover addition shifts, or sick calls. I'm starting to feel burnt out. My last bi-weekly schedule I worked 94 hours, and my manager paid me "regular hours" because I "agreed to those shifts ahead of time". Ahead of time seems to be when I come in for my night shift at 11pm to find out the 3-11pm shift for the next day isn't covered. I go home at 7am, sleep a few hours and go back in. This is starting to become more common (I'd say roughly a couple times a month since I've started 6 months ago). I'm starting to dread getting calls because my voicemail has at least 2 calls a week asking me to cover a shift on my scheduled days off or part of a shift because "no one else can".

As a new grad when can you say no? I know making a great impression to my team is great, but when you just work and sleep it takes all the fun out of my personal life.

Specializes in Cardiac.

I would just quit agreeing to work over time. They can't make you. You're committed to the hours you agreed to work when you became an employee, nothing more.

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

Thank you!:) I think I'll visit the local office on Monday. Thank you everyone for your helpful advice:) I'm so glad to have access to a great bunch of nurses 24/7:)

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As a new nurse, you can say no anytime. No point in trying to impress your employer by working extra hours--not worth it at all. I get calls all the time and I never pick up. I've saved the number on my phone and so when I see their name on my caller ID, I know not to pick up because I know what they want. Just say no!

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Just say no!

Don't answer the phone.

If they do get you in person, just say no, I can't work.

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I agree with above posts! Do not let them do this to you. Don't answer your phone and if they leave msg, DELETE IT!! Eventually they will get the picture and if they need you bad enough, getting OT pay will not be an issue. Heck the hospital I use to work for would call me to come in and include in msg that time and a half plus 5, sometimes 10, was being offered. My time is worth way more than base pay!!

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
I wish we were in a union:( The retirement home is owned by a franchise so it is more focused on sales than the employees. There is a union in Canada willing to come in if 51% of nursing staff vote on it, but I'm not sure my co-workers would vote for one. I'm thinking if I speak up would I be punished for it?

The union needs to approach the other staff members off campus and talk to them. If there is a majority you are safe.

And to answer your question. I think you have earned the right to say NO!

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As others have said, say no but I add be firm and don't feel you have to make up excuses...."thank you for asking but no, I need my time off this week" and then walk away...

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Specializes in pediatrics.

Agree with onetiredmomma...

You have every right to your scheduled time off...they are taking advantage of you like no other! It happens where I work too,I just dont call back or say a firm no with no further explanation...you don't owe them anything. LOL wow I sound bitter don't I ?!

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Specializes in ICU.

Your getting royally screwed on your overtime. Its illegal, they have to pay you for it. There is no way that is regular time. Id be going to HR and looking for back pay! Seriously

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Just say "I need time for myself and my family!"

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Specializes in NICU/Subacute/MDS.

Keep it short, simple and polite. Don't play into guilt games. Don't be a floor mat or they will always use you as a floor mat. See how they have already knocked your pay down? Practice ahead of time. Learn to say the phrase calmly and matter-of-fact.

I'm sorry, but I have a prior engagement.

'oh but no one else can...'

I'm sorry, but I have a prior engagement.

'cant you reschedule? what will we do, oh oh'

I'm sorry, but I have a prior engagement.

'okay, thanks, i'll call so-and-so'

Edit to add: You are a good nurse with a kind heart, but you aren't the last nurse on earth. WHEN you say no, they will find someone else, or hire someone else. The world will keep on spinning! Say no, and take care of your health, too!

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If you feel that you truly want to work extra, make it clear what your expectations are. Just because the law states that OT pay is mandatory after XX hours doesn't mean you can't get it sooner. In other words, you can say "I am already scheduled for x hours at my regular pay. If you want me to come in extra, then I expect time-and-a-half for every hour past my regular schedule. If you will put that in writing for me, then I will come in."

You will need to say that EVERY time they ask. If they want you badly enough, then they will pay you. I have been pleasantly surprised at what some places will do when they need to fill those slots.

I have worked at places that offered movie tickets, gas cards, comp time - - whatever incentive it took to get those slots filled. THEY need YOU! YOU hold the bargaining chip.

Stick to your decision to not be a doormat.

And write down whatever has been agreed to. If you have a fax machine, make them fax it to you. If not, tell them to put it in an email before you agree to it. The next best is a text message. But you want to SEE it before you agree.

Don't be a wimp, be a professional whose time has value.

Best wishes!

Oh - even if you do not have a union, you may still have a contract. Did you get a letter with an offer of employment? Did it say 75 hours/2 weeks? Then anything over that time may easily be taken as overtime.

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