Shift Swap Vent

[missladyrn]

I work on a floor where it is difficult to get a shift swap, which I thought was odd when I first started here. I don't mind switching and I often switch when someone asks. Our schedule is different every week, I don't think a weekday for a weekday should be a big deal for people. I have taken on a lot of weekend nights for people even. The one time I asked for a swap, I expected one of these people to swap with me. Several said no. Ok, no more swaps from me then. But tonight takes the cake! Someone BEGGED me for a swap. I gave a firm no since she has burned me before when I needed one, but gave in when she cried and gave some bs sob story. Well, she called out! I got a message from the floor manager saying that I really need to be at work tonight because our "approved swap" fell through when she called off. That is not my fault and I need to know ahead of time to sleep if I am working night shift. Sorry, not coming in. I will be in on Thursday for my end of the swap. UGH. I hate people. I have not called or responded to the voicemail since I got it so late. I know I need to, but I am not going to get railroaded into going in to work.

[Good Morning, Gil]

That's ridiculous, but not surprising. I switch with people, well, one person fairly regularly, and it works really well since we're both reliable. You just have to learn who is reliable, and who will switch with you when you need a switch. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like you can switch with anyone where you are. A shame.

And, like everyone said, that shouldn't be on you. She didn't show up for her end of the deal, but if I were you, I would have at least called back and said that you weren't able to come in since you hadn't slept, wouldn't be safe.

Don't let anyone guilt trip you anymore. If you really need an excuse, just say you have family obligations.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

That is playing "dirty" expecting you to come in after an approved swap. How can you possiblbly be responsible b/c then you would have to be "On call" until the nurse showed up for her shift and they they would need to pay you on call pay. What if you decided to go out of town on YOUR day OFF?

Make your own personal swap policy. Mine is that I only swap with others if they reciprocate when I need to swap AND it meets my needs as well.That is essential so you do not have any resentment about it. If I request a swap I always remember to kindly thank the person for doing it as that goes a long way if I have to ask again. I always follow the policy to the letter so it does not bite me in the ***.

You never know when you might need something so try to keep your options open b/c life happens.

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

As you can see, this is a very common problem. I very rarely swap with anyone because of this.

[squidbillies]

I'm with a PP- lost a job because of a swap once. Will not do it now, period.

[jreynrn]

That is awful! How is that your fault?

I would be just as irrate as you!

[IowaKaren]

Where I work, the swap paper you sign also says that you (the swapper) is still responsible for the shift if your swappee doesn't show up. Makes one wonder why you would swap with anyone, especially unreliable employees. How would I be able to be at work at 10 PM if I'm 300 miles away?

[Andy Droid]

Where I work, most communication with co-workers is done over email (well... the ones who work a different shift and would be looking for me to swap with.... the ones I see pretty much work the same shift as I do, so they can't really swap with me)

I keep a .txt file of dates, and when folks ask me to swap, I simply send them back the list of days I needed off but didn't get, and a note at the bottom that says "Insert whatever your excuse was that you used when I needed a day off here".

Not too many folks bother asking anymore....

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

As a general rule, I don't swap. She could have cried a river, I would not give in, especially if she had burned me once. Remember, burns leave scars!!

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I love people calling before they are supposed to be at working asking to swap only to call in "sick". Then seeing on facebook that they went our partying instead. That ****** me off more.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

I learned early in my working life only to cover shifts for people who will cover my shifts. My (non-nursing) job required employees to arrange their own coverage. I never minded covering shifts until I needed a Monday covered on a long weekend. I sent several e-mails over 3 weeks, and got 2 responses; one from a guy who said he couldn't work Mondays, and one from my boss, reminding me that I had to work the shift if I didn't find coverage. No one offered to cover the shift, so I cancelled my plans, and resigned myself to working.

Thursday afternoon, another employee who worked the same shift sent out a e-mail that she was going away for the weekend, and asked for Monday coverage. The same guy who said he couldn't cover my shift covered the same shift for her! After that, I refused to cover shifts.