New Grad, work calling on days off

[hopemedsurg2picu]

Hey everyone!! Just looking for some advice :) I'm a new grad just off orientation about 2 weeks ago on a post op surgical floor and I've come into sort of a problem. I really love my floor but It doesn't matter if I'm at work or not, I'm CONSTANTLY being asked to switch with other nurses for shifts (not in my benefit of course) or to work OT on my days off. I'm still living at home for now so working extra really isn't in my prospects and also I'm still so nervous and scared of making a mistake and doing the right things that when I'm there, right now, I just need my days off to recooporate and relax so I can be my best for the days I work. We work 3 12s a week. In my 2 weeks off orientation I've already switched 3 times with people. And I've been called to do OT a few times, even night shift at like 11 am that same day when I've already slept all night and would not be prepared to work that night. I've said no to the OT and they don't seem to be angry with me, they say they understand and it's okay. I just can't shake this guilty feeling. I wish I didn't feel bad for saying no but I really do am I a bad person for saying no to OT even though I'm a new grad??

[ambr46]

Don't feel guilty. They will call and call and call and I just say no and no and no

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

A couple of things. I am surprised they let new grads pick up overtime, our hospital has a policy no OT or floating for new grads. Second, my wife had me put stick it notes on my computer one said "No thank you", the other said "I'll think about it", good visual reminders not to get sucked in.

Cheers

I like her style. 👍

[sailornurse]

Say you have an appointment, (Ok so its with Your Pillow, Couch) but it is an appointment :-) You have plans, (plans to go to the Movies, Wash Your Hair, etc).

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

Say you have an appointment, (Ok so its with Your Pillow, Couch) but it is an appointment :-) You have plans, (plans to go to the Movies, Wash Your Hair, etc).

No, that's too much information. The more you talk, the more time you give them to guilt you.

Just. Say. No.

[CaffeinePOQ4HPRN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

No, that's too much information. The more you talk, the more time you give them to guilt you.

Just. Say. No.

Exactly, the less you say the better. I would encourage you to SCREEN YOUR PHONE CALLS and not answer your phone at all. However, if you must answer your phone or answer if accidentally, just respond with firm but polite, "No. I am not available. Thank you". Then hang up the phone, flip them the bird, and pour yourself a glass of wine.

Treat the hospital like a friend-with-benefits type of relationship, which means: 1)screen your calls 2) only talk to them when it'll benefit you.

Don't let them screw you when it's only good for them or exclusively on their terms

If the hospital could, they'd do this:

[CaffeinePOQ4HPRN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Here's another great example of how much hospitals care about the well-being of nurses. To the OP, let this thread be your motivation and encouragement to say, "No"

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

I have assigned a particularly annoying ringtone to my job and they DO NOT have my home phone. I will admit that I take great pleasure in listening to it ring as I pop a dorito into my mouth. When they never get you they stop calling.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

They call you because they know you're new and think you won't know any better. It's OK to say no and mean it, OP =)

[O9eleven]

Just block the number on your phone on your days off. Simple. Easy. No hassle.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

This is so true!

When I was pregnant, I of course went into labor on my day off. I was scheduled to work the next day.

After I delivered, I called to tell them that I would be starting my maternity leave. The only question the scheduler had?

"Does this mean you won't be coming in to work tomorrow? They're going to be short..."

This was 31 years ago. Clueless schedulers and obtuse unit managers are nothing new. Technology has just given them the ability to be even more intrusive in your private life, if you let them.

[OCNRN63, RN]

[ATTACH]19243[/ATTACH]

This is so true!

When I was pregnant, I of course went into labor on my day off. I was scheduled to work the next day.

After I delivered, I called to tell them that I would be starting my maternity leave. The only question the scheduler had?

"Does this mean you won't be coming in to work tomorrow? They're going to be short..."

This was 31 years ago. Clueless schedulers and obtuse unit managers are nothing new. Technology has just given them the ability to be even more intrusive in your private life, if you let them.

"Well, sure, I'll come in, if one of the nurses can do my fundus and lochia checks."

[BiotoBSNtoFNP]

I havent read all of the PPs, but I am sure I am saying similar things.

Dont feel obligated to answer the phone. Its harder to say no when you actually pick up the phone and they beg.

It's perfectly acceptable and reasonable for you to want your days off! Especially as a new grad during that first year when your a headless chicken while at work and you need those days to relax and sleep :)

If you decide you do want to do some extra OT, then great, answer the phone and say youll come in. I felt guilty the first few times I said no but then quickly got over it! I still finding it annoying, though, when they want you to work night shift but they call at 3pm and therefore too late to sleep!!! I tell them no and if they want me in the future for OT, they need to call earlier so I can nap.

If you accept a lot of OT and switches now as a new nurse, youll get the reputation that you are always willing to switch. It certainly is nice if you can switch with someone else, and hopefully they would switch with you in the future if you needed it, but you shouldnt feel pressured into switching.

Do what is best for you!!!