Low Census- To Take Cancel or Not?

[nurse678]

I'm a new RN and was given the option to take cancel on Christmas, which I happily took in order to spend time with family. Now there is low census in the unit. If asked if I want to work or be cancelled again, does it look bad if I say I'll take cancel? To me it doesn't matter whether I work or take cancel. I'm at a point in my life where I don't NEED to work to pay the bills. So, is it better to say that I want to work, but wouldn't mind being cancelled if no one else volunteers? What would you do?

[jennybean14, BSN]

We always went in order on my unit according to seniority. Whose ever turn it was to stay home, would be offered first with the option to say no.

[nurse678]

Not really sure how it works, I think they just go straight down the list of who is scheduled to work. My thing is, I love the time off, but I don't want to take it if someone else wants it. I want to be fair. I also don't want people to think I only ever want to be cancelled.

[jennybean14, BSN]

You can always make sure no one else wants it first. If no one else takes it, then go for it! Don't worry about what other people think :)

[nurse678]

Thanks, for your advice, I was thinking along the lines of just seeing if anyone wants it first, if they can't find anyone then they can cancel me. I'll see how that works I guess.

[meandragonbrett]

We have some people who always want to be cx'd and then we have others who flat out refuse.

[HappyBunnyNurse]

You may have gotten asked twice in a row because others are turning it down.

[nurse678]

I wasn't asked yet. I work tomorrow night, but the census is down again, so I am seeking advice in preparation of receiving a phone call asking if I want to work or not.

[springsong]

Where I work, if the census is low whoever will request first to take a day off because the census is low will be given the priority to stay home.

[rn4ever?]

If you can afford to be cancelled and you were offered to be cancelled, why not say yes? I don't see why it will look bad. You didn't call out!

[JenniferSews]

If you're asked, there's no reason you can't say yes. I cancel based on who was flexed last and then on who I know would prefer to be flexed. There is no reason you should say no except personal preference.

[tablefor9, RN]

If no one else wants it, take it and run!

We have a "call" box on our unit, with each nurse's turn written in on their card. Then, if it's "your" turn, you have first choice to take it or offer it to others.