I currently work at a local hospital. I work PRN and requirements are 1 shift a week, which I do. I do also help out with call as needed ( I give them days I can take call and they can put me on, for example last Tuesday evening I was on call) and help cover full time employees as they need (taking a shift this week for one on Thursday). Last week I got a text from my TL who stated that they needed coverage for Sunday October 13, 7a-1p, normally no problem whatever I would take it, but but this weekend I have a midterm for my FNP program scheduled between 7am-3pm. I texted her that I had my exam, then yesterday I got a text from her to myself, another PRN employee and a FT employee stating "Hi. so no one has picked up 1st call Sun Oct 13 from 7a-1pm, Everyone else has signed up for their fair share. Sorry but someone has to take it our we will have to draw one of your names..." I texted her again that I had midterms, no answer, then this morning I get a text "Happy Friday! Since no one covered call on Sun Oct 13 7a-1p names were put in and & MINE was drawn...(P.S. there is A PART TIME RN (unnamed) who mentioned she wants the call but she has taken her fair share, but it is possible she will take it, it is her birthday weekend". I texted my team lead again "I have a midterm exam" she texted me "sorry..."
I was fuming at this point...there are some full timer and part timers who did NOT take their fair share of call ON top of that WHY should I have to contact the nurse who wants it,( I don't have time to play games) why didn't she ask her to begin with?!?! Needless to say I didn't contact the PART TIME nurse, I went to the director and texted her what I was texted. An hour later that nurse that wanted it, texted me asking if she could have it...I said yes. I feel this is a freaking GAME, so immature. I am PRN I am in an FNP program, and work 2 other jobs. I am the FIRST to be cancelled and sent home WHY should I be put in a position like this?? need advice. I haven't heard from the director yet but I will be meeting with her when I go back to work. I guess I am just confused on how you can just put someone on the schedule like that, let alone a PRN person??!!??
WHY should I be put in a position like this?? need advice. I haven't heard from the director yet but I will be meeting with her when I go back to work. I guess I am just confused on how you can just put someone on the schedule like that, let alone a PRN person??!!??
My advice is to adjust your expectations. You seem to expect that schedulers, including this team leader, will be considerate, reasonable, fair and/or interested in your priorities. Some may be, but others will simply look at you as a resource, a possible plug-in for a hole that's hard to fill. That's why and how this person did what she did.
I agree with others; as a PRN, the most useful response is, "Yes, I'm available," or, "Unfortunately, I am unavailable." Not sorry - you have nothing to apologize for. And when someone says you must come in, see above. No explanation or justification after the first time, if you even elect to give a reason then, which I don't recommend.
If you elect to meet with the director, I'd suggest you clarify with her if there is another response from you under the circumstances that would be more effective. In all likelihood she understands that schedulers sometimes exert more pressure than staff would like to get shifts filled. They get to ask. You get to say yes or no; those are the roles of the scheduler and the PRN.
You also need to check your HR handbook if this goes any further, or for next time. Some hospitals have rules about last minute schedule changes, like not allowed except for natural disasters like hurricanes. Sounds like this was pretty last minute.
Katillac, RN
370 Posts
My advice is to adjust your expectations. You seem to expect that schedulers, including this team leader, will be considerate, reasonable, fair and/or interested in your priorities. Some may be, but others will simply look at you as a resource, a possible plug-in for a hole that's hard to fill. That's why and how this person did what she did.
I agree with others; as a PRN, the most useful response is, "Yes, I'm available," or, "Unfortunately, I am unavailable." Not sorry - you have nothing to apologize for. And when someone says you must come in, see above. No explanation or justification after the first time, if you even elect to give a reason then, which I don't recommend.
If you elect to meet with the director, I'd suggest you clarify with her if there is another response from you under the circumstances that would be more effective. In all likelihood she understands that schedulers sometimes exert more pressure than staff would like to get shifts filled. They get to ask. You get to say yes or no; those are the roles of the scheduler and the PRN.