Scheduling harassment

LovingLife123 · Jun 24, 2017

I think it's unusual you got hired to not work weekends when all your coworkers do. Do you work in a hospital setting?

Sour Lemon · Jun 24, 2017

I never answer the phone when staffing calls me. They can leave a message and I will call back if I'm interested. Co-workers will also stop asking you for favors if you never say yes. Beware that they're not likely to do you favors either, though.

My first job as a new graduate was a chronically short staffed hospital. They actually kept calling and asking me to work for months after I'd resigned and moved to another state.

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 24, 2017

If you stop responding and explaining, they will eventually get the message. Turn off the phone if calling is something that bothers you.

It might help to make a legend about some time-consuming hobby or family activity and repeat it once in a while. But you don't have to do even that. Simply state that you are off schedule that day and so got to get going with your own life.

**LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM** · Jun 24, 2017

Where the heck do you work that you're allowed to just bow out of working weekends, while others can't??? I've never in my life encountered this in an acute care setting.

My surprise with that situation aside, that is super annoying that they keep calling and are trying not to take no for an answer. This says to me that the unit is chronically understaffed, which is a bad situation. I guess all you can do is keep sticking to your guns.

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Jun 24, 2017

I was in a CMS survey couple of years ago. We had to provide proof that we made all the effort to bring people in when understaffed. But we never called the nurses individually, we sent a group text to everyone who was off on that shift. Most never responded and that was expected. Maybe your hospital has to notify you to fulfill their obligations.

Lisacar130 · Jun 25, 2017

In a hospital, one can sometimes work registry/PRN and get away with not working weekends. Maybe that's what she's doing.

purplegal · Jun 25, 2017

You are one lucky gal to demand weekends off and actually get them, lol. Good for you, but don't be surprised if some coworkers resent you for that.

Although I don't have weekends off, I have a job that sounds pretty much like yours. Constant phone calls and text messages to come in early or stay late. Frequent requests for trades from coworkers who are unable to return the favor. So I basically just do what you do--ignore the phone calls and text messages. As for trades, just come up with reasons why you cannot make them. I have two jobs, so that usually is explanation enough. Like others have said, if you keep saying no, at least with trades, people will probably stop asking. There's probably no way to stop them from calling them though, so just don't answer or respond when they try to contact you. I agree that days off asked for a reason should be respected, but, when they are short staffed, people will do anything, including phoning all staff members, with the hopes that maybe one time you'll give in.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jun 25, 2017

Does your employer require you to answer your phone on your scheduled days off? If not, then simply do NOT answer. I'm sure you have a smartphone where you can send them to voicemail or simply block them on your days off and unblock the night before you're due to return. Trust me, they will get the message. Did you get the no weekends or calling you on your days off in writing? If not, then you might have a problem. Never trust what anyone promises or says off the grid. If it is not in writing it quickly becomes non memorable or worse.......true! Good luck

allnurses Guide · Jun 25, 2017

If you stop responding and explaining, they will eventually get the message. Turn off the phone if calling is something that bothers you.
It might help to make a legend about some time-consuming hobby or family activity and repeat it once in a while. But you don't have to do even that. Simply state that you are off schedule that day and so got to get going with your own life.

So true they don't even call me anymore unless it is an emergency or I am on call for the Psychiatric Emergency Team.

I told my employer straight up that I was not interested in extra shifts and that I didn't need the money so they should give those shifts to someone who needs and wants them.

Hppy

NurseDisneyPrincess · Jun 25, 2017

You are one lucky gal to demand weekends off and actually get them, lol. Good for you, but don't be surprised if some coworkers resent you for that.

Eh, I worked weekends for five years. At the dialysis clinic my schedule was set, and I got used to it. I went through six interviews where I told them I wanted weekends... yeah, didn't get those jobs. Which is understandable. But I spent most of my early twenties working weekends while my corporate friends partied and had fun. I did some reflecting and realized I needed to enjoy my youth and have fun on the weekends. Now I do that! It's not impossible, but you definitely have to search!

NurseDisneyPrincess · Jun 25, 2017

Does your employer require you to answer your phone on your scheduled days off? If not, then simply do NOT answer. I'm sure you have a smartphone where you can send them to voicemail or simply block them on your days off and unblock the night before you're due to return. Trust me, they will get the message. Did you get the no weekends or calling you on your days off in writing? If not, then you might have a problem. Never trust what anyone promises or says off the grid. If it is not in writing it quickly becomes non memorable or worse.......true! Good luck

They don't... but it's strongly encouraged. There is pressure there, if you get what I mean. I do have it in writing, I'm not worried about it getting taken away. I just feel pressured to answer? It's more annoying than anything.

Especially when a random nurse that I don't know very well texts me and asks if we can switch days so she go to a bachelorette party...