How often do you work extra?

Published

I came home this morning from my errands to a message asking me to work extra and I do feel bad for not going in since they only need me 4 hours. At the same time, I'm going back in for my 2 scheduled nights tomorrow. I work a busy medical floor and I'm starting to feel some burn out which I'm trying to avoid.

I feel like I'm doing good just to work my OWN scheduled nights.

So do you work extra?

Specializes in NICU.

I pick up shifts frequently, but not to be helpful. Sorry. I only pick them up if I'm in the mood to work and want the extra hours. You should never feel guilty for saying no. You are working your committed hours and taking care of yourself. They will be better off in the long run with you taking care of yourself. If they chronically need more help, then they should hire it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work extra very, VERY rarely. I don't go in for four hour shifts because I live 45 minutes away, so it wouldn't make sense for me to spend 1.5 hrs on the road for 4 hrs of pay.

I am very reliable, on time, focused and ready to work for my scheduled shifts. I really think they should be happy with that. I've noticed that a lot of people who pick up all kinds of extra time are the ones who end up burning out, getting really sick, and calling out a lot.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I rarely go in a day off.

I often (1-3 x/2 week pay period) stay over a short while to help with meds or wait for the late-arriving nurse to arrive.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Rarely do I work beyond my scheduled hours; the LTC facility where I work pulled a fast one on me...I was asked to work 7-3 because they were desperate. I was already scheduled to work 3-11 (usual shift). So, after doing them a favor, the time scheduler (in her infinite wisdom) put me on a different floor to work my usual 3-11 shift. I no longer do double shifts, needless to say. As for working on my day off, the answer is "no," unless the spirit moves me!

This facility routinely asks nurses to work extra shifts; IMO, by picking up shifts, I am part of the problem rather than part of the solution..the solution...hire more nurses!!!

Did you ask the scheduler why she did that? Or was your 2nd shift on the same floor where you did the 1st shift? If so, she might have thought she was doing you a favor to let you stay on the same floor the whole time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Are you kidding??? lol I pick up all the extra shifts I can, usually at least a couple of doubles a month and as many other as I can. I worked 11 shifts in the last pay period( I work 8's).Plus with this weather thereare a lot of call ins.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

It seems to me that every time I pick up extra time, I end up having the night from hell on the extra shift. So I've quit doing it unless I absolutely need the money.

Plus, there is only so much of my workplace that I can tolerate and still maintain my mental health. They don't call me to come in much because they know I don't do it. If I want extra, I'll sign up for it. Otherwise....nope.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.

Ugh. I can barely do three 12s. If I can muster the energy to do a 4, then I will do it, but no more than that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Rarely. Signed up in advance for one or two extra 12s over the course of last year because I wanted the money and had some time off up ahead. The work is so hard on the body that I avoid extra shifts for the sake of my health and sanity. I don't come in when called at the last minute because I plan my time off in advance, and when they typically call in the early morning, I'm sleeping and my phone is turned off.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Honey, if you are content with your income and don't need the money, don't work extra!!! There is so much more to life than work. Live your life when you are not at work and your won't be burnt out. I am a 32 year veteran....and know this to be true. Hospitals don't want to hire staff because they don't want to pay for the benefits. It is cheaper for them to pay overtime. If all of us would only work our assigned shifts, then we might be making room for another to get a job!!!

Stick to your guns:specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I go in if I can, if not, I don't sweat it. I think I end up picking up an extra shift maybe once a month, sometimes less. I don't break plans to pick up extra time. With 2 kids in activities, it is rare I can do extra.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg.

I'll work extra if I know about it in advance as in covering for PTO, vacation, etc. I'm also willing to go in early or stay over if someone asks me to cover for them so they can go to a kid's birthday, school activity, anniversary, funeral, or what have you. Call in's? Only in extreme circumstances.

It was my experience in my previous life that if you agree to work extra too often they start to take it for granted that you are always going to work when asked. Sometimes the powers that be will even pencil you in without asking. When the happy day comes that you finally turn them down, they look at you like you just spit on the flag and belched in church. Better to keep them guessing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.
Honey, if you are content with your income and don't need the money, don't work extra!!! There is so much more to life than work. Live your life when you are not at work and your won't be burnt out. I am a 32 year veteran....and know this to be true. Hospitals don't want to hire staff because they don't want to pay for the benefits. It is cheaper for them to pay overtime. If all of us would only work our assigned shifts, then we might be making room for another to get a job!!!

Stick to your guns:specs:

These are words I live by. I've only been around for 2 years, but I want to make it to 32+

I love my job, but I love my days off more! :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion