Work Won't Stop Calling on Off Days...Grrr

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I just need to vent for a minute. My work has already called me 3 times today trying to get me to come in on my off day (they started 3 hours before my shift would have started). I come in extra most of the time they call. In fact, I had requested a day off last month 3 months in advance. They had me scheduled off, but ended up calling and begging me to come in. I felt so bad for them, that I did come in even though I had plans. Here they go again, calling me on another off day. I know that if I answer my phone, I will feel bad and cave in. I feel guilty because today I don't have any plans, but I just don't want to come in. They are like, 2 nurses too short. Even one of my fellow co-workers is calling me in addition to my supervisor. Okay, I'm done venting now. Thanks for listening. :monkeydance:

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Get an answering machine with caller id and don't answer the phone if it is work.

Just say no. ;)

steph

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Private Duty Peds.

why should you feel quilty for wanting time to be off and take care of yourself? It isn't your fault they are short. Not meaning to sound cold hearted, but as nurses we have to take care of ourself first. Enjoy your day off! Also get caller ID!!

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Specializes in Urgent Care.

If you keep caving, they will learn that if they bug you enough, you'll cave. Just say NO! :)

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Specializes in cardiac med-surg.

no means no

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Caller ID is worth the money for your sanity.

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"You are not the answer to their staffing problem" told to me by a very smart doc.

steph

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Tell them you have vistors over, you've been drinking and that there's no way you can drive or work intoxicated. End of story.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma.

You just say no, you don't need to explain or make excuses. If you can't simply say no, then you don't answer your phone. End of problem.

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This is the exact reason why all nurses should have caller ID (who doesnt anyways these days for heaven sakes). then if u do want to work it pick it up...must be the most simplest solution to any problem i have ever seen.

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Tell them you have vistors over, you've been drinking and that there's no way you can drive or work intoxicated. End of story.

I had actually been drinking wine with dinner . . two glasses to be exact. The nursing sup figured out how long it takes alcohol to leave the body and asked me to come in then. :nono:

So, just say no.

steph

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Specializes in Palliative Care, NICU/NNP.

I used to get called at 0515 after working 4-5 days. Then I'd be so mad I couldn't get back to sleep. I finally asked them to put me on the don't call list and that worked. I always told me lead nurse if they really needed me to call me and if I could I would.

I find if I let them carry on with their speil I would feel more guilt but if I just stopped them early with I can't orI have an appointment I felt better. I didn't give myself a chance to get weak.

I decided that I can't fix their staffing problems. They have to hire more folks or more floats or something. It's not up to me to fix it. Say NO quickly and have a good day off.

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