Why do I feel guilty for not going in when called...

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2012

Do not feel guilty. You probably feel guilty because, if your floor is anything like mine, you have a charge nurse- who is someone you actually get along with- calling you and you know how much stress they suffer when the floor is understaffed and no staff is available. HOWEVER, the more you agree to go in when called, the more they take advantage of you.

Staffing on my floor is horrible right now. We lost 4 nurses from June-November and hired 2 new grads who, obviously, are not yet as skilled as the staff who left (who all had between 3-5 years experience). In the last few weeks, we have lost 3 additional staff (2 took other jobs and one was terminated) and have a senior nurse out on FMLA leave. So we are basically working down 6 nurses. Last week I got a call every single day asking me to work. I do not feel guilty saying no. Why? A. Because I have a life and my job is not my #1 priority and B. Part of this is my manager's fault. Firing a fully trained and capable nurse when we're already down nurses and have 2 new grads starting next week (which will make staffing worse for the duration of their orientation) was the dumbest business move I have ever heard of. I think she should have to get her hands dirty and pick up some of the slack. And yes, that means learning how to use the computer charting system she's always hounding us about, learning how to scan meds and getting herself access to our pyxis so she can actually take care of patients. I think it's ridiculous that it's not expected of NMs to do these things as it is.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2012

I used to help more when I started on my floor over a year ago. We are still short, and I have no problem saying no. Staffing is not your problem. Our NM could help out, but she chooses not to. We all have a life. Let them hire more staff.

Guest296136 · Jan 16, 2012

I turn my phone ringer off when I go to bed and don't want to be called which is almost every day!!!! If you have a union file a greivance every time you are under staffed and let them earn their dues by fighting for you. If you don't have a union see if one of your councils is working on staffing issues and get everyone on the unit to join forces and take a stand not only for yourselves but for patient safety. If it doesn't get better an anonomus call to the state will wake up administration and make them accountable.

rn/writer, RN · Jan 16, 2012

Hospitals that consistently staff short know full well that nurses care about each other and feel guilty for leaving their co-workers in the lurch. The powers that be in such places exploit that concern as long as they get the results they're after.

Good employers who care about the safety of both their patients and their staff members have occasional shortfalls, but they don't consider mandating or constantly begging people to come in legitimate long-term staffing tools.

Whether getting called on short notice is a once-in-awhile occurrence or a frequent situation, you do not need to feel guilty about not accepting last-minute shifts. If you're tired, you have other plans, you've had a drink or you just don't want to go in, as long as you're meeting your regular obligations, you have nothing to apologize for.

Do-over, ASN, RN · Jan 16, 2012

I've been reminding myself that a big part of the reason I returned to school and became a nurse is because I completely burned-out in my last career. Burn-out caused by a) 60+ hour, 6-7 day work weeks b)accepting impossible duties and working my tail off trying to achieve the impossible c)not setting limits in order to enjoy life outside of work.

I can't afford to burn-out now - another career change might be the end of me!

now that I've learned to set limits and say no, I just need to work on getting a life... :eek:

Do-over, ASN, RN · Jan 16, 2012

Now I just need to work on staying home when I am sick! I worked a three-night stretch last week when I absolutely felt like death. The reality is - I should have stayed home and used sick time... but of course I didn't.

prmenrs, RN · Jan 16, 2012

Years ago someone taught me an unwritten rule in bureaucracies (hospitals qualify): once it's a favor, twice it's your job. If you say yes predictably, they'll always call you first. Protect yourself! Sounds like that's what you're trying to do, so keep it up.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2012

Don't feel guilty for not going into work whenever called. I can assure you that your employer does not feel one shred of guilt or remorse if/when they cancel peoples' shifts during periods of low patient census. It's all about business on their end, so it should be all about business on your end, too.

thekidisback · Jan 16, 2012

I used to feel guilty but now I don't. I'm a new grad and the other day I agreed to work an 8 hour shift on my day off. Soon as I start my shift they tell me someone called out, I have to stay after my 8 hours and do a double. So I worked 16 hours. I learned my lesson. They screwed me over. Once they get you, they get you! So don't feel guilty cause they obviously don't feel guilty when they have you overworked. They don't care, so why should I care.

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2012

Turn the phone off! I regretted almost every time I got guilted into a "yes". It was always an awful shift. Hospitals have a host of resources available to them that they chose not to use. I on the other hand, have no one else to clean my house or do any of the 900 things I have waiting for me on my time off.

Say No. Or don't answer.

caliotter3 · Jan 16, 2012

Funny that I just read this thread. Got a message to come early, not ten minutes ago.