How To Say No

[EyesForward]

Alright, the phone is always ringing, and there are always messages on my cell. I want to go in and help out, but most weeks I've already answered the call and gone in for someone or another, or am scheduled to pick up someone elses shift. If you have to or want to say no how do you get it done? I tend to ramble on about what I have to get done that day, or say I've already picked up a shift this week for someone else, but no matter what I hang up feeling like a sludge. What's your "no, I'm sorry I can't work" speech? Thank you!

[Blackcat99]

My kids have done the same thing...turn the ringer off before you lay down! Works like a charm!!

Thanks crjnursewarrior. :) I usually remember to turn it off before I go to bed. Unfortunately, when the answering machine says to leave a message she hears a person talking and immediately picks up the phone. This answering machine is part of the phone itself so I may need to get voice mail and a new phone. :chuckle

At my LTC we have to write down personal medical symptoms when a person calls in. There is a check off list. Fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, cough etc. etc. etc. :angryfire

[apaisRN, RN, CRNA]

I told my manager that I had 'been advised by my priest' not to take any additional shifts. Who can argue with that???

That is possibly the best line I've ever heard! Even better than "my doctor" or "my therapist." No one can argue with a priest, he gets his orders from God (or thinks he does).

My facility comes up as "out of area" on caller ID, which is fine except when I'm trying to do something like reach my own doctor's office (same organization) or talk to HR about a benefits thing. I don't want to answer the phone in case it's work, but I will never get on touch with the person I need to talk to otherwise. Usually I make a snap risk/benefit analysis before picking up the phone. Sometimes I'm wrong and then I just say "no, I can't," or sometimes give an uncontestable reason, like "I have to be on a plane in two hours."

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

my kids have done the same thing...turn the ringer off before you lay down! works like a charm!!

or even unplug the damned phone! then keep a cellphone with you if you need to be "reachable" for some other reason . . . and work doesn't have the number!

[Maine Critical Care]

1. Use caller ID and don't pick up

2. You have plans (for the couch and remote control)

3. You have an appointment (with the pillow)

4. Just say no. Not today, I'm too tired to give safe care.

Remember If we don't take good care of ourselves, we cant take good care of others. Tired nurses are grumpy, unsafe, and not who I want taking care of my loved ones. Think about it.

[Maine Critical Care]

Brilliant!!! Who can argue with clerical advise. Another one could be "My therapist tells me I'm overworked and need to recharge.I'm on my way to yoga class right now":wink2:

[nurse4theplanet, RN]

While I am no pushover to saying no, I am still only a tech so I feel the guilt/obligation...it's like being on a really looooooooonnnnnngggggg interview because you want them to still want you to work there after you graduate. So I usually feel a strong urge to make up an excuse

1. I have school the next day

2. I'm out of town this weekend, you got me on my cell in (another state...far away)

3. I'm at a funeral, I'll call you back

4. Hello, hello, hello.....ugh! why is my phone not (click) ...after several attempts they stop calling

5. i'm babysitting for a relative

[chaosRN, ASN, RN]

I just say "no" they say "come on, why not, blah blah blah" I simply say because "I dont want to". They cant argue with that and they usually stop calling.

[chaosRN, ASN, RN]

I just say "no" they say "come on, why not, blah blah blah" I simply say because "I dont want to". No excuses needed and they cant argue with that.

[Quickbeam, BSN, RN]

For years, my husband and I dreaded the flashing light on the answering machine. Then we hit on a brilliant idea...why even have one? My family is dead and he is not close to his. We hated the thing. So it went to Goodwill and we live with CallerID which is a godsend. I need to add that both of us had employers who would leave messages like : "if we don't hear from you we'll assume you'll take the extra shift". I no longer have that sort of job but my husband's life is so much better now that his employer knows they need to ask him face to face about extra time.... because once he's home he'll never be reachable.

[JB CC-RN]

On my days off, I just let voice mail answer the call. Thank goodness for caller id

[augigi, CNS]

I agree, no need to get into discussions about "oh come on, you can do that another day" by giving excuses. It's your time off. Just say "no thanks" if you don't want the extra shift. If you do sometimes want them, say "I can't this time, but thanks for thinking of me".

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

A simple "no I can not come in today." No excuses..it is none of their business what you do on YOUR time off!

Took me a while to learn it...but now I have it down pat! I also don't appologize..why say I am sorry if I am being interupted for MY TIME!

I also screen my calls...LOL!