I feel guilty when staffing calls me and I say no.

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OK, so I just started as a new grad on my unit in May as a casual. My educator told me that as a casual, I should be trying to pick up as close to full time as possible for the first year in order to get the swing of the unit. I book most of my shifts in advance, and I book about 60-68 hours per pay period (0.75-0.85 FTE) in advance. My issue is, I keep getting called last minute (literally almost every day), and I feel insanely guilty when I say no to them (which is pretty often).

The reason I say no so often is because I have already been feeling incredibly tired and burnt out. It's a busy and chaotic unit and we are often working short staffed, and I have come home from shifts in tears multiple times already. I feel like I don't function as well when I pick up to full time, and then my patient care suffers and I get even more stressed out. When I come home from work I feel like I made the wrong choice to be a nurse because I am so stressed out and I don't know if I can handle this for the rest of my life.

My question is, should I be feeling guilty for saying no? And if not, how do you get rid of that guilt that comes with every time I say no to staffing?

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If you are not required to pick up shifts when they call then I would not feel guilty about it. I know easier said then done because I always feel guilty saying no.

I try to tell myself if I am feeling overworked and go into work then I could make errors. That actually happened to a nurse I worked with. She was picking up hours to help out and made a narcotic error and ended up fired.

If I am at work I will usually agree to stay over and I frequently sign up for extra shifts. I do say no if they call me last minute. I am someone that likes to know what my day/night will be like ahead of time. Funny thing is they have me on the short list to call in the event of a call off because I help out so much.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It's a common problem among new grads. You'll soon stop feeling guilty about it. Think about it -- These frequent phone calls are NOT due to unexpected emergenies in staffing, the type that you would reasonably feel some obligation to "pitch in and do your share of extra work." Your employers have chosen to not hire enough nurses to fill their needs on a routine basis. There are lots of nurses out there wanting jobs, but your employer chooses not to hire them. Instead, they have chosen to squeeze every drop of drop of energy from you and to encourage you to feel guilty if you don't work extra (which is cheaper for them than hiring more staff.) They don't care about what the extra burden does to you -- they will use you until they are empty.

Sign up for shifts as it meets your needs. Volunteer occasionally when it is inconvenient for you IF you feel it is a true emergency and/or you feel their need is due to something they could not reasonably anticipate. But don't let them suck the life out of you.

There is a saying you need to learn: "Your failure to plan does not constitute an emergency to me." You don't actually say that to the staffing office ... but it's OK to think it when they call.

Welcome to the real world of nursing. :yes:

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If you get a call and don't want to work, but don't want to say no, just don't answer the phone. They are obligated to call you but you don't have to answer.

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Specializes in Neurology/Psychiatry/Case Manager.

Don't feel guilty. It is not your fault that they frequently do not have the staff available to work. If you feel bad saying "No" then just don't answer your phone as the previous member advised.

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I felt the same way when I was a new grad. My job would call all the time because they were short staffed and I would cave in and work. Yes the money was nice and I made quite a bit that first year. But I started feeling burnt out to the point that I went down to part time after a year and a half. Now I'm PRN and I have no problem whatsoever saying no when I get a call. I learned a lot that first year by working all those hours. I also learned that you need a life outside of work too. I refuse to work full time hours as a floor nurse now.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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Specializes in Emergency.

First of all-why answer the phone if you do not want to work??? Besides why play the game of the corporate B.S. about not hiring people for full-time eg: they do not have to pay benefits. It is crazy -then they tell you/want you to pick up more shifts-it is a disgrace. They did that where I work and now 6 months later nobody comes into work. They did this and they got what they deserved. People won't even stay to do doubles anymore...what is the point? They took away the differentials/bonuses and now expect everybody to work more and longer for less...sadly in this day and age this may be the only "power" we have as employees.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Stand your ground. Do not feel guilty. You will be a much better nurse when you feel good and not stretched so thin because of their lack of preparation. It sounds like its their standard staffing plan.....to just call people. I agree just don't answer the phone. Maybe they will get the hint, or just say- I will gladly work my schedule but I can not take on any extra shifts. Thanks. Sometimes you just have to BE FIRM!! :)

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It is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely. It will not be your responsibility if "something bad happens" when you are not there because it is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely.

It is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely. It will not be your responsibility if "something bad happens" when you are not there because it is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely.

It is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely. It will not be your responsibility if "something bad happens" when you are not there because it is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely.

It is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely. It will not be your responsibility if "something bad happens" when you are not there because it is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely.

It is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely. It will not be your responsibility if "something bad happens" when you are not there because it is not your responsibility to staff your unit safely.

There now. Feel better? :)

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Exactly!! Well said GrnTea. That's my mantra. I've told my employer that I shall not be available at short notice and that I will pick up an occasional extra shift at my convenience and discretion.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

I love it greentea! :yes:

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