How To Say No

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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!

Staffing has learned that when they start to push after I have said "NO" they are in for a lecture on manners and deportment. I have reamed a couple of the staffing folks to the point that they won't call me for anything expect one extra shift a week (And it had better be short-call).

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

Where I work they operate w/bare bones staff to begin with. I just say no. The way I see it, its a mgmt problem....Hire more nurses!

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Specializes in ER, critical care.

I have always loved the sarcastic approach....

"It sounds like a wonderful opportunity and I appreciate it so much that you thought of me. I am afraid, however, that I must decline."

I don't know if it just freaked them out or what, but they usually didn't push any farther.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

I used to love saying "No thanks - but thanks for thinking of me."

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Specializes in Cardiology currently.

I went to a nursing seminar once , and one of the breakout groups was on managing stress. The seminar leader, Nancy Suazo, suggested using what she called the "broken record technique" when someone is hounding you to work. The conversation would go like this:

Can you come in and work tonight?

No, I can't work tonight.

Why not? You're not doing anything special tonight, are you?

I can't work tonight.

You haven't been able to work extra for a long time. We really need the help because we are short 3 nurses tonight.

I can't work tonight.

You said your husband was out of town at a seminar this week. So I know you're not busy tonight. We really need you!

I can't work tonight.

Etc. etc.

They finally get the message, you don't feel guilty, because you haven't had to make up a bunch of excuses, and eventually they learn to respect that when you say no, you mean it!

She demonstrated this broken record tecnique in many other situations too. Essentially, state your position politely but firmly, don't make excuses or try to justify it, even if they hound you about it. Just keep repeating your position until they get the message.

That technique has come in handy for me many times. Hope it helps!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Excellent post...couldn't have said it better! :rotfl:

I think that I will use the two beer excuse. I'd just LOVE to see if they still try and talk an impaired nurse into coming it; it would show where the hearts of that facility really is...

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