On Call and Weekend requirements

[JenRN123]

I am considering leaving my current position to go back to 12 hour hospital work. Due to staffing changes in recent months, as well as policy changes this is how we are currently covering weekends: Nurse takes "On Call" 24/7 for a weeks time once every 8 weeks. Nurse also takes "Weekends" working weekend days for a trade day off in the week, thus no extra pay. With this system, out of the next 16 weeks, I am either "On call" or the "Weekend" nurse 8 out of 16 weeks. Many of these weeks, I am working 2 weekends in a row. Also, if I am told I am not needed to work on a weekend day, occasionally given less than 12 hour notice I miss out on a pre-planned week day off. I was given a few weeks ago a holiday paid week day off which I was told was my week day off and had to work through the weeked. I feel like I am working all the time. I enjoy my job but due to being salary I can make no extra money except for the $2.00/hr I get to be "On call". I am the bread winner in the family. I see no way to make any extra money as everything else is "Included" in my salary, however, I feel like I am ALWAYS working. Is this the norm? I average 160 miles a day as well. Feeling burned out and never getting ahead. Thinking to make money for all my extra hours worked I need to get back to the hospital. What do you think?

[caliotter3]

Sounds as if you are being taken advantage of, whether it is intended or not. I would not blame you to go to a job where you know when you are working and not working; when you can plan your life and finances better.

[Shimmer580]

That sounds unreasonable to me. I think you should at least look into your options elsewhere because you may not have to work 12 hour shifts to make the same..even if you did, at least it wouldn't be such a horrible schedule like the one you have now :-/

[OkieeRN]

That is not enough pay for on call. I am paid a base salary and my on call pay is in addition to the salary. $150.00/weekend to be on call and $65-$85/visit for resumption/recert/SOC. I would look elsewhere especially since you are the bread winner. Your time is too valuable for $2.00/hr!