For the past few weeks my shift at work have been canceled due to the recent pandemic. A few days ago I was asked to work but unfortunately turned it down because we have a entire unit of Covid-19 patients.
Heres the thing I have a toddler with asthma. Who is currently experiencing difficulties with her asthma due to the weather changes. In the past she has been hospitalized for 4 times for rsv causing low 02 levels resulting in more than a weeks stay.
While I would love to be on the frontline saving live I afraid to compromise my child. I dont have anywhere else to send her. Her pulmonologist told me to stay away from anyone suspected of having it.
My job feels as though I'm being selfish because they say its what I signed up for. I honestly would work if I had support.
What are your thoughts?
p.s. several workers have tested positive. The facility is using contact/droplet precautions.
I turned down extra shifts not scheduled shifts. My facility is short staff and pressuring everyone to work more hours. Unfortunately at this current time I'm afraid of doing so. I'm sorry if my concern angers you.
Please, don't feel bad. If you were cancelled due to pandemic, picking up extra shifts is not a part of your job. You have to look out for your child first. Do not ever be sorry you did not pick extra shifts. Block the phone calls, do your minimum, cuddle your child.
Specializes in Surgical, Home Infusions, HVU, PCU, Neuro.
Ultimately the choice of you working shifts outside of your scheduled ones is your choice and it is you and you alone that has to live with the choice you made, whether or not someone on an internet forum agrees with you or not. You can't see the future and know if you were to go to work and get exposed and bring it home or go to the grocery store and have the same thing happen. Whether you go back and work at this facility or not maintain social distancing and use hand hygiene like you will never have the chance to wash your hands again, and keep you and your baby as safe as possible.
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
Okay, so this is a per diem job. Usually there is an expectation that you will be available for a certain number of shifts. At my hospital per diem meant you signed up for at least 2 shifts in a 6 week period, one Summer holiday, one Winter holiday.
If you can't meet the minimum of your contract, don't feel guilty, but take FMLA. Then go back when you're ready. If you can't take FMLA, I suppose you'll need to quit, but again guilty feelings are unnecessary.
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BSN-to-MSN, ADN, BSN, RN
398 Posts
Please, don't feel bad. If you were cancelled due to pandemic, picking up extra shifts is not a part of your job. You have to look out for your child first. Do not ever be sorry you did not pick extra shifts. Block the phone calls, do your minimum, cuddle your child.