Unfortunately, yes... As soon as the schedule comes out, people grab it and start scouring it to make sure that no one got any extra shifts, and that someone didn't get more weekend hours (i.e. more diff=more money) than the rest of the staff. There are a couple of nurses I work with who have a list of all the other staff and how many hours they are actually hired for. For example, we have three different levels of 'full time'. There is a 64 hr per payperiod FT, a 72 hr per pp FT, and an 80 hr per pp FT. We now work 12 hour shifts, so most of the 32 hour per week people actually get a full 36 hour week. Well...you should hear the stink that is being raised over that.
There are some nurses who "take notes" in case they get in trouble for something, that way they can point a finger at others. There have also been more trivial writeups lately. I just try to come in, do everything strictly according to policy, bust my butt for 12 hours, and keep my patients happy and get out unscathed.
I'm PRN, and only entitled to 20 hours per 4 week schedule. But I'm flexible, and work days, nights, evenings, and in two other departments. I'm getting enough hours right now, because I can cover holes and will work whatever I can. I usually end up working at least 36 hours per week. But it's cutthroat among regular staff members who can 'only work nights,' or can 'only work weekend days,' or who refuse to get pulled to another unit if they're needed. I'm afraid a lot of people are digging their own grave.
