16 Hour Shifts

[missnursingstudent19]

My manager keeps texting me on my off days asking me to work 16 hour shifts. I find 16 hour shifts extremely brutal, and the drive home is not safe at all. How do I set healthy boundaries? I feel bad not agreeing to come in when asked. Although I don’t know why because I don’t see the other nurses on my floor agreeing to it.

[Lovethenurse2b25, ASN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I would simply tell the supervisor that at the moment I have no desire to work any overtime and not respond to any text messages or call. It's not worth your physical or mental health. 

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Realize that your manager is texting anybody and everybody to fill staffing vacancies.

You can choose to ignore texts on your days off... or just respond with a no. They will keep coming anyway because the manager is desperate.  

Of course 16 hour shifts are not doable or safe. Stop with  the guilt already. Managers will work you to death if you let them.

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

Just say no. You are not obligated to answer texts on your days off. Staffing issues are not your problem.

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

I usually do four 8s on and 2 days off

I worked a 16 hr shift on Saturday night, on the condition that I don't come back for my final shift. . They were desperate enough that they took me up on that

Alot of the younger nurses will do 16 hours go home for 9 and come back again, I know I don't have the stamina. If I don't get 7 hours sleep a night, I turn into a bibbering idiot

Never EVER feel bad for putting your own needs first. Your work place will chew you up and spit you out