Per Diem

Hi all!

I am currently a per diem RN on a mother-baby unit. I was full time until I had my son 2 years ago. I have been prescheduled by my manager a month ahead of time and it has been working out nicely. I have been having an issue lately though that as a per diem the order of floating as per our contract is agency/travelers, then per diem, then staff. My unit has been floating us very very often lately and we are floated to cover labor and delivery antepartum patients. I really do not feel so comfortable taking care of such patients, we did used to have them on our floors but they have since been moved to a separate unit so as mother-baby nurses we do not care for them anymore on a regular basis. I feel like when I float to that area that I am not confident in my ability to interpret fetal tracings etc. There are some nurses who say they will not float because they were never "trained" in that area, but since I have worked with them prior when they were on our floor I am one who they feel can float up there if needed. Today I was called by staffing and told I wasn't needed on my unit but would I work on the antepartum. I politely declined and said I would rather be cancelled than work there because I don't feel comfortable. Does anyone think I am crazy? My husband was annoyed at me for losing out on the money and I understand but he doesn't understand the pressure it is to work up there and how I do not feel comfortable. So again I ask, am I crazy and being difficult with staffing or does anyone see what I am saying? Feeling kind of bad at the moment :/