I Need Days Off for My Own Mental Health!

[PsychRN-Kris]

I took a part time job because I wanted a part time job. I'm a new RN juggling a family as well. The problem I'm finding is evertime I have a day off, work calls and needs me to come in. Usually because another nurse has called in or left sick. Sometimes it's right after I've worked two 12's in a row with a difficult patient load needing constant attention and supervision and the thought of going back is unbearable. Most days I can't even have an unintterupted lunch break to eat and finishe my paperwork. So when I'm called in every week on my much looked forward to days off I feel completely stressed out and frustrated and then end up feeling guily when I say "No" and then end up not enjoying my days off.

I know this issue isn't limited to psych nursing but any advice?

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I love my caller ID. I also don't have an answering machine, so they can't keep leaving messages stressing me out. I only answer the phone if it is shortly after I got home from my shift. (In case the next nurse needed something clarified.) I give them a 2 hour window to call me for patient related questions. Otherwise, work will not be able to get a hold of me. Whatever it is they want, it can wait until my next scheduled day.

[TrudyRN]

Let your answering machine screen your calls.

[Billikin]

Take your phone off the hook or check your caller Id before you answer the phone. You are never going to be any help to your patients or family if you are burned out. And if your hospital is anything like mine, they will burn you to a crisp! If you do feel quilty, allow yourself to stay there for about 10 seconds and then get on with it! Go enjoy your day. Don't you think you deserve it? Come on now.

[AUMPsychRN]

[banana] For those ethat have a hard time saying no: You can also tell your supervisors up front that you are not interested in doing OT or working extra. [/banana]

I am glad to see that a supervisor appreciates honesty and understands that sometimes saying NO is okay.

I leave a couple of weeks worth of "will work" days so that the supervisor doesn't waste time calling me. Plus I always screen my calls and the hospital only has my home number.