staffing requirement..is this common practice?

roser13, ASN, RN · Jul 16, 2015

Once the schedule is posted and you find someone to cover your shift who wasn't on the schedule as posted, you should be able to effect that switch. If management is claiming ownership of your replacement's willingness to work extra, off-schedule, then shame on them.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jul 16, 2015

How can she make the other person work if she isn't on the schedule?? That is not right!

schnookimz · Jul 16, 2015

Not common. That is ridiculous. I would refuse.

studentRN1218 · Jul 16, 2015

Thanks for the input. Just to clarify, I had given this shift to the other nurse so she can take the shift instead. But as per the manager, the unit has to had x number of nurses on, if this number is not met, the request won't be approved and you and that replacement would be both working to meet this number. I had complained to other nurses on the unit about "this rule", but they seems so used to it. Therefore I am wondering if that had happened elsewhere. Either way, I won't be able to work that shift (which is why I find someone to switch with me in the first place!!) yet I would be on the schedule. ugh!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jul 16, 2015

What state? I think only CA has staffing minimums

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2015

I took it as meaning the unit was short based on their own staffing matrix.

I agree this is a stupid policy. I can see denying a PTO request, but as long as you found your own coverage, why should you worry about anything else? Your responsibility is to get your shifts covered. Theirs is to find coverage for the holes they left in the schedule.

loriangel14, RN · Jul 16, 2015

If there is a staffing need to be filled then yeah, I can totally see their point.

wanttonurse7 · Jul 16, 2015

looks like the possibility of a switch for me will never happen... i recently got off orientation 2 weeks ago and i have been called in 4 times already to cover.

sweetmuffin48 · Jul 25, 2015

WOW that is crazy! Usually if you find someone to cover your shift where I work you are good.

BD-RN, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2015

They cannot "call you in" if you're not "on call". They can ask you to come in, but you have a right to refuse. If you found someone to cover your shift, then BOTH of you can't be responsible for it. If the other RN was not scheduled as posted, they can't force her to work. That doesn't make sense, I'd speak to HR.

AutumnApple · Jul 25, 2015

In my experience, this changes from state to state and even facility to facility.

The thing to be aware of is whether or not mandating OT is accepted in the state or not.

If it isn't, as others have said, once a schedule is posted you are only responsible for finding your replacement. They can not mandate that you cover the shortage.

If mandating is allowed, you can get caught in a catch 22. Basically, you sort of tell on yourself when you change shifts. You tell them you are available. They can then do as your manager did. Refuse the switch yet place you on the day you made yourself available as well. The trick is, this is subject to the mandating policies of the state and institution. Most likely, if its not your turn, they can't really do that. But you will have to make it clear you are not available without the switch and that you will only go in if its mandated.

It's considered a slap in the face tactic BTW even if they can do it. I'd have made it clear I didn't appreciate it when it was done. If it happened again, I'd be applying to other units.