I got a job....

Published

as an LPN at a nursing home. I'm casual and I've worked 3 shifts so far (2 orientations and 1 alone). They recently called me in for a very short shift (1 hour) because one of the nurses felt sick. However, I declined and I was just wondering... does that show poor dedication? I was really contemplating on going but I didnt think the ride would be worth it (It takes me a good 45 minutes to get there).

As a casual, I do have the right to refuse...right? I still feel that I should've went to show dedication since I'm new to the job :(

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I wouldn't go in for 1 hour either. You do have the right to refuse. Don't give it a thought.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I work LTC and I wouldn't ask anyone to come in for 1 hour, you can manage to cope for 1 hour.

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Two things you need to learn.

Your contract if you are unionized. Usually if you are called in you are required to be paid for a minimum of three or four hours (contract specific) regardless of how short a time you are on the unit.

Your provincial labour laws. I believe the provinces also have a clause stating the minium shift time payable. I'm pretty sure it's 2.5 or 3 hours here in Alberta.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

It's 3 hours in AB.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

If you are unionized, there is no need to show "dedication" And I don't mean that in a cold hearted way. When we are at work, we are dedicated to our patients/residents/job.

But as an unionized employee, it's all about numbers and hours. Seniority. Next time a call is to go out, they won't go by who is most "dedicated", only by seniority.

Don't sweat it at all.

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Thanks for the replies.

I actually work under a private company...does it still apply?

Also.. yesterday, they put me in a dementia ward/lock ward and I had a pretty tough time since I had to get used to all the residents. I was all over the place. The other wards (2 of them) are connected so all the other LPNs (2 of them) and 1 RN are together. You can imagine how nervous I was. I did my med pass but I felt I took a very long time when doing it. Also, I forgot to do 2 dressing changes and the LPN from the other ward (Who was staying there a little while longer did them for me) I felt really stupid. I need to act more confident/responsible. Any advice?

/rant

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I work for a private company and am still in a union.

Taking your time especially with meds because you do not really know the clients to me is a good thing, remember nursing is a 24 hour job so if you forget to/don't have time todos merging ideally the coming on staff should be able to pick it up. This is what happens where I work, I think we have a good team in regards to supporting each other

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