Short staffed and being called in a LOT

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Specializes in LTC.

This is my 1st nursing job. Since I am short on experience, I was hoping someone could help me. We are short-staffed (no surprise there) where I work, and my super is CONSTANTLY trying to call me in to cover. I don't mind once in awhile, but GEEZZ!! I don't go in every time, and I was wondering if that will cause a problem with my eval. I always show up, on time, and work what I am scheduled. Obviously that is not enough. For the record, I really don't care about "brownie points" or any of that. In fact, even if the answer is "yes, it DOES count on your eval", I'm not likely to run in every time they call. I cherish the time home with my family, and rather resent being called on all of the time to cover for the people who don't feel like showing up. We are "down" a nurse right now, and 2nd shift seems to take turns calling in, which is making things much worse. Another question: Are most, if not all LTC facilities like this? If so, that's depressing. Any other "heads up" issues involving LTC would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

In my personal experience, all of the nursing homes and LTCFs where I've been employed were/are badly understaffed.

If you don't want to pick up extra shifts, just say no. After all, they'll simply find another warm body to accept the shift if you refuse. If you refuse enough times, they will know not to call you so frequently.

I wouldn't worry too intently about employee evaluations in LTCFs. I received a good evaluation, and my reward was a whopping 50 cent raise.

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Are you required to submit an "availabity schedule" to your staffing office? This usually cuts out the number of calls on days "no means no".

If these aren't used by your facility, get to know the staffing clerks. Give them a list of don't call me dates. That and a box of chocolates has worked wonders for me.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
In my personal experience, all of the nursing homes and LTCFs where I've been employed were/are badly understaffed.

If you don't want to pick up extra shifts, just say no. After all, they'll simply find another warm body to accept the shift if you refuse. If you refuse enough times, they will know not to call you so frequently.

I wouldn't worry too intently about employee evaluations in LTCFs. I received a good evaluation, and my reward was a whopping 50 cent raise.

:bow: Did you bow down in appreciation for the deep consideration they gave in giving you the basic :twocents:? Funny...:lol2::lol2:

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Caller ID is the way to go with this one...mostly all facilities are very short, and will try and make you feel guilty for not coming in. Don't fall for it; we are entitled to have days off for ourselves.

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Specializes in LTC.

Guess what? Yes, they tried AGAIN. And I found out that the most I can get on a good eval is...are you ready for this? $.45. WHOOHOOOO!!!!! (Sarcasm intended). Thank you to all who responded. Now I can let the phone ring without guilt. I'll just sit here with my family...

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I am an Lpn and recently got promoted to supervisor and when I give an evaulation to my staff I go by there attendance record. So dont feel pressured to go in and burn out we need you to stay strong and healthy and you know ur limitation... Hope this helped somewhat.:twocents::twocents:

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