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??

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Beware of total strangers asking for favors . A coworker asked me to work her Friday and she would work my Tuesday. I asked her to work my Sunday (instead of the Tuesday) as I had a family event and she literally screamed "I can't do that!" So I said neither can I. She was angry over this for a very long time.

If someone alway wants to swap days ask her to work your weekend shift instead. The person will stop asking. Negotiate something that benefits you as well or just say I have plans that day.

You are under no obligation to answer the calls from the staffing office or to staff the unit on your days off.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Unless you want the extra money just tell them no thanks. Or look and see if they are short on a day you have nothing planned and want a little extra cash and tell them you can work that day.

As for switching, I am really picky about who I switch with, some people will never ever reciprocate. Sorry Charley, if you can't ever help me, I am not helping you. There are those ones who think they need every weekend or Friday off and find some sucker to do it. Work what you are supposed to! Sure things come up, but not every weekend!

You won't feel bad after awhile. Not your headache!

[Angelicpurl]

I have also asked for a trade that helped me. No, trading for them might not help me, but I look & see if I can find a better trade that DOES work for me.

[ANnot4me]

Remember it is your responsibility to "self care". If you are tired and stressed, it is your responsibility to say no as you are obligated as a nurse to make sure that you are "safe" to work when you come into work. Should you make a mistake or miss something because you are tired and working overtime, it can be used against you as it is your responsibility to know your limits. As a new grad, I was often placed in positions where I was at risk as I worked overtime, double shifts, short changes, etc. I honestly thought that things had changed a bit in regard to these practices. I guess that the nurses organisations and nurses themselves have not done a very good job in educating the public about these dangerous practices.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I work LTC and many times it falls to us working a shift to have to call when someone calls in, after they have done everything they are to do. Many on here advise not to answer the phone. I can tell you as one who has made the calls, I prefer that you answer the phone and just say no than to not answer and leave us wondering.

I did answer one time ...just to let them know that I had quit that job and moved out of the state about four months ago. They still kept calling for several months after that.

[Nurse3000]

This happens to EVERYONE. I am called and txted everyday. I never answer.

Problem solved.

That guilty feeling (I never had it) will fade fast. Staffing has a job, we have ours and I could care less if they are short on nurses it's not my problem...

AGREED!

[babilidose]

If you don't want to switch, don't switch. If it's not in your favor but you don't mind, ask that person switch an additional shift with you that works in your favor. If you don't want to work OT, don't work OT. Issue solved. I don't get these threads. It's such a simple solution to a non problem.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

The person making the calls would usually prefer that you answer. I used to make the calls and it didn't matter to me.

Many people choose not to answer because they don't want to feel obligated or potentially be mandated. Unless I want the shift I don't answer, and I feel no guilt about it. On my day off, I could care less about work or what the staffing needs are.

If the person doesn't answer....there's your answer.

[SmilingBluEyes]

It's basic. You only have happen to you what you allow. Learn this now to save a lot of headaches later on.