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

[magn1jes]

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! :)

[gemimi]

I agree with all of the above. Your time is exactly that, YOURS. Don't answer the phone unless you want to go in and don't call back. They won't fire you they have no basis. I was a DON and trust me, my CNAs didn't answer the phone unless they wanted to come in. Go forth and enjoy ~ work to live, don't live to work. The reason they call you so much is that you're an easy mark and they know they can get you to fill their hole. You are more than likely the first call because of your guilty feeling. If you want to be a nurse you'd better get rid of that PRONTO or you'll be living on the floor.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

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.

even the crappiest employees get called to come in extra and work. all one needs is a license and a pulse.

[caliotter3]

even the crappiest employees get called to come in extra and work. all one needs is a license and a pulse.

at one place where i worked one of the cnas was finally on suspension on her way out the door. they called her in and she walked around with a silly grin on her face.

[KarenBuley]

Answer the phone or return the calls, but throw away the guilt that comes when you tell them you can't work extra. You already have a full plate and I'm betting you are a hard-working, committed employee when you ARE at work. Taking care of yourself (by saying NO to extra shifts) will keep you in the workforce, and will enable you to take good care of your patients.

[dari98]

All I did was in a nice plesant way tell the scheduler do not call me to pick up shifts because I won't. She never called again. I think you should tell them you can't work so they wouldn't call.

[DizzyLizzyNurse]

So what happened? Did you stand up for yourself???

[Gluteus Maximus]

even the crappiest employees get called to come in extra and work. all one needs is a license and a pulse.

so true. considering some of the dipsticks i've worked with, all management really cares about is that there's a body to meet their regulatory staffing quota. consequences be damned.

[windjmmr]

Remember your needs come first...i think we all get those calls but you have to stay firm to your conviction and say no...if it continues make sure you have caller ID and if you happen to be home listen to the call and then decide..you on your day off are under no obligation to go into work whatsoever!!

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Just don't answer the phone, they will eventually stop calling. The more you do the more they expect of you. Nuff said

[magn1jes]

So what happened? Did you stand up for yourself???

Since I have started, I have only picked up about 2 shifts, and have refused the countless other times. I was just really having a hard time with the guilt and thinking that I needed to find excuses all of the time, but after all of the wonderful advice here, I really don't feel bad anymore and I don't give any reasons, just "no". The amount of calls I have been receiving has also come down quite a bit.

I did end up putting in my resignation, but not because of the constant calls (although, I can't say it was a reason as to why I wanted to stay). I am actually pregnant, and have been having a lot of complications - or scares, and the doctor told me I really needed to reduce my stress. Since this job was the biggest stressor in my life and we don't need it financially, I decided it needed to be cut.

Thanks again for all of the great advice! I really enjoy hearing from you all!

[Poi Dog]

My work calls all the time too to cover shifts. If they cannot find someone to cover a shift, they will mandate workers who are already there. I used to feel guilty but now I am over it. I can only handle 8 hours of toxicity.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

After the scheduler at 1 job conned me into working a day-evening double, then refused to pay me overtime, I stopped returning her constant calls to work extra shifts. Then my supervisor asked me about why I wasn't returning the scheduler's calls. After that, I called the scheduler back every time, and refused to cover shifts.