How often do you work overtime?

[Convoy2022_TrumpSupporter]

I have my regular scheduled shifts full time 80 bi weekly hours.  I sometimes feel bad for turning down shifts like today they asked if I can come in, but I said I already had plans, and they had the last few days to ask me to come in. They asked me to come in not because someone called in, but because they were just generally short.

 

Sometimes I think I should really work a lot so I can pay off my credit card, and student loans. But its Summer time, and I'd like to be outside enjoying the weather and my Mustang! 

How do you view turning down shifts? Do you look at it as lost money, or taking it as a rest day and money does not matter. Also its like the more you come to work, the more stress you put on yourself, and the higher the chances of you putting yourself in trouble.

 

I've seen people literally during this pandemic, worked a lot, and now they have a house.

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

I rarely pick up overtime, only when it benefits me. I usually haggle and say I will work today if I can have off x day. If they say no, I let them know I cannot work overtime. 

I learned a long time ago that management's poor planning is not my issue. 

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Only on rare occasions would I pick up overtime. My previous job I had no choice as mandated overtime was a very real thing.  I never forget one thing my father said to me, probably the best advice I ever got. Nobody ever not once said on their death bed "I wish I would have worked more."  

[DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN]

I do regular overtime every month, usually 2 nights extra on top of my full time (3 12s per week). 

They are voluntary. They are offered but management never pressure us. The list of overtime nights goes up and if you're interested you put your name down. Some people do their maximum (4 per month). Some do none. It's really up to us. Gaps not filled by overtime will then be put out to bank nurses or very rarely, agency.

I work in France where EU working directives are quite strict. No more than three 12s consecutively. Maximum 4 12s in any one week. Maximum 4 overtime 12s per month.

Some nurses get frustrated that they can't work more and often exceed the limit with bank or agency shifts in other hospitals. That's technically illegal, though I've never heard of anybody being sanctioned for it. The tax people know how many hours you've worked and never say anything. At the end of the day it's revenue for the state as well as for you.