Have reached my limit.

[mamamiah]

Hi there, I was a surgical tech for about 11yrs. I went back to school and became an LPN but stayed in the OR and scrubbed cases. I went back to school and became an RN about two yrs ago. I am circulating now and am learning so much on a daily basis. I love my job, but lately I feel burnt out. It isn't in my nature to complain at work, I take it all in stride I suppose that's the soldier in me. LOL! There have been numerous times I've had to pull double shifts because a coworker calls out repeatedly. Working weekends only I take EC both days. I have children and a husband currently on an overseas assignment. I am at my limit. I can't and refuse to be away from my kids 17 - 18 hrs in one day. I want to write a letter informing them I will no longer take Call on Sundays. What should I do? How do I do it? What should I say? I feel management doesn't really care about my situation since I am there weekends only. Help!!!

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

You need to speak with your NM about your concerns. Since you only work weekends you are out of site out of mine. As far as your NM knows you have no issues with working the doubles. Is OT mandatory is it voluntary? If it is voluntary tell your supervisor on the weekend that you are unable to work the OT. Are there other RN's who work the weekends with you and do they work any of the OT? Check your employee handbook which should give you guidence about working OT and call. Good luck.