How to deal with constant calls to come into work?!

Nurses General Nursing

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I work as a CNA/HHA in LTC facility. I also go to school full time, and work another job. I have finally figured out my schedule to where it is some-what tolerable, but still get CONSTANT calls to pick up shifts or to come in to work early. I am talking almost every day. If not every day, at least every other. It stresses me out! I want to like the job (I've only been there about 2 months), but seriously want to scream each time the phone rings. I can't even enjoy my little time off. I am seriously considering quitting, but don't want it to look bad on my resume, or not have any experience when trying to find a nursing job. How do I deal with the constant calls? What do I say (I am running out of excuses already)? It just seems like no one wants to work!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

Good advice from everyone here...as long as you cover your shift, you are not obligated to cover the shifts of your co-workers. When I was a CNA, I was constantly getting calls to come in because I was a hard worker but I realized early on that if I made the mistake of not getting the rest and free time that I deserved, my body would eventually pay the price... CNA's do some back-breaking, hard work... So, ignore the calls so that you can get your rest and have peace of mind - your residents/patients will benefit from it.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Parish Nurse, Hospice.

I have learned a very important word- NO. I have no problem saying the word no.:nurse:

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The problem is with you. You are too nice, and you feel guilty about not doing the right thing and too eager to please. Your co-workers sense this and are using you to their benefit. Sucks doesnt it? Just know that you are not alone.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Corrections, Home Care....

Caller ID is a nurses best friend. If they ask where you were or what you were doing (which is really none of their business) remind them that you do have a life and need time to study. If you can afford to quit, then quit. While going to school I didn't work and concentrated on my family & studies.

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Screen your calls--and NEVER give an explanation why you wouldn't come in. You don't owe them one. There is no reason to feel guilty--they don't own you.:)

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The facility's inability or unwillingness to hire enough staff is not my problem.

Just say no.

Oh, and I am not an "angel in sensible shoes." I'm a nurse, not a saint or martyr.

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Specializes in Dialysis.
Wow, what a crazy world are living in today. Someone is literally whining about getting phone calls to come in to work when some people can't even find ANY job. Listen, quit your whining and don't answer your phone. Simple solution. Problem solved. Are you going to school for nursing? How will handle bigger stress? Sigh....

That's pretty rude. She asked a simple question. It's not her fault you can't find a job.

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Turn off your phone and/or stop answering it. You aren't obligated to work so stop feeling guilty and stressed about it. If they know you are easy to guilt they will use it against you. You have the control here so stop giving it away.

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First of all, be thankful you have a job that calls on you. If you were a crappy employee, you wouldn't be called upon to work. Next, you know your responsibilities and time restraints. If you don't want/need to work, either answer the phone and gracefully decline or don't answer the phone.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

i work in administration per diem and let me tell you, it's no picnic trying to fill slots with employees. Sometimes it's the units themselves that staff themselves with ridiculously low numbers then I get the fun task of trying to make it work.

I feel guilty constantly asking the same people and bother people at all hours - but like it was said before - i have to make those calls.

My feelings aren't hurt if you tell me no or if i have to leave you a message. I prefer if you can call me back to tell me know because then the tiny glimmer of hope that i have that you may agree to take the shift is quelled, but if you don't call me back it's not the end of my world.

Enjoy your days off. Don't feel obligated to pick up extra shift and if you find that you have a free day when you are hoping to pick up some ot- don't hesitate to call to see if they need help :D

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Specializes in Renal; NICU.

Rude reply.

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Specializes in Renal; NICU.
Rude reply.

Wrote in incorrect post...sorry.:cool:

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