*sigh* How Many Times a Week Do You Say No?

[NursingAgainstdaOdds]

This is really bugging me. I recently signed-up for an incentive program at my institution where I sign a contract agreeing to work what averages out to be an extra 8 scheduled per week (some weeks it's an extra 12, some an extra 4). It's OT, but it's all scheduled-out in advance, no call. This was a really hard decision for me, as my time with my family is already compromised by my night schedule and their day schedule (we all know how that goes). But, what the hey - we needed the $$ and work needed the body. Works-out for both parties.

So, why am I still being called upon 3x a week on top of my schedule with OT to come in and work? My boundaries are firm, and I won't further compromise my time with my family. So of course the inevitable guilt trip comes out. In some ways I could really care less, in other ways I feel so guilty! Ugh.

Thanks for letting me vent. I've said no 3 times this week already (and it's WEDNESDAY), and it's really bumming me out.

[EmmaG, RN]

It's a pain in the butt; I was called every day I had off. As night charge nurse, I was making those calls every morning. I never felt guilty about saying no, and I never felt aggravated at those who said no to me. It is what it is... =\

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

So, why am I still being called upon 3x a week on top of my schedule with OT to come in and work?

Nurse managers and staffing coordinators will do anything to get the vacant shifts filled and staffed, even if it means calling someone who always gives them a firm "No" for an answer. Their hope is that you will say "Yes" one of these days, that's all.

[AngBthatsme]

I have been called and I have no problem saying no. I have a life and I work to enjoy my life. I have also been the one making those calls and when people tell me no, I always cheerfully say ok, have a great day off and I mean it. You could always screen your calls and not pick up the phone ......hehe :monkeydance:

[NursingAgainstdaOdds]

Hah, screening calls only works when they're not cornering you at work!

I guess I just have to work on not feeling guilty.

[EmmaG, RN]

Do Not Disturb.

See if this is available from your phone company.

Best $3 a month I ever spent

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

every time staffing calls me on my day off. they say do you want to work today ? i say no. or if they call me off on my day off ( which is rare) i take the call .. then unplug the phone so they can't call me back in . do i feel guilty? no way.. i never feel gulity.. i work my butt off when i am there and i don't want to be bothered on my day off.. i am to exhautsed.

[traumajunkiegirl]

lol yea well i tried the dont answer trick on my day off....my DON sent the local police to my house! and i wasnt on call!!! yea yea i know its time to find a new job eh !

[TeresaB930, BSN, RN]

i take the phone off the hook before i go to bed, so i don't get the 4 am call!!

teresa

[MA Nurse]

Some hospitals have a "do not call" list...if your's doesn't, make one up for your unit and put your name on it!

Just don't answer, and don't feel bad at all.

[bethin]

After management called me 3 times in a 4 hour period, I told them explicitly to never call me on my day off again. I told them by doing that they lost their privileges with me.

[Diary/Dairy, RN]

Wow Bethin - That's a lot more gutsy that I would have been - I take the passive aggressive approach of not answering the phone if I see it is the hospital number....then once, my boss called me from her personal cell phone!! I labeled it from her and screened that number too!!