switching schedules

FLArn · Sep 6, 2010

FWIW you may have gotten a more favorable response if you had asked in person, especially if you are new. It is a little impersonal to ask favors of people who are practically strangers through an e-mail. I ask in person or at least by phone and I've worked with my co-workers for almost 7 years!

MassED, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2010

Most people don't have any clue who I am, yet. There are so many nurses, even on nights, and some I haven't even met yet - I've been there three months. Large department, so easiest way is to email them. Probably would be better to speak in person, but then I don't know who they are either. Would take me forever by the time I need the switch, but that would have been a good approach.

Thanks!

I had been warned by my preceptor, who has now moved on back to school and not working there, that NO ONE switches schedules with each other. So I guess I knew it would happen, but it's still shocking when not even a response. I would respect them if they could give at least some response.

wooh, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2010

Since we went to our new scheduling system, I get so many requests to switch each week, it's crazy. Add that into the pile of emails reminding us of this and that, it's not easy to keep up. If I can't do it, I don't reply to a group email. That's just too many "Sorry, can't." emails that I'd have to send. And if I need a switch, I don't expect responses unless it's a "Why yes! I can do that!"

It's not a personal attack to look at the request, realize I can't do it, and delete.

regularRN · Sep 6, 2010

You can ask colleagues in person, but I don't like to put them "on the spot" and make them feel obliged to trade shifts, unless it's someone you regularly mutually trade with.

We usually "post" our shift trades/covers in the break room. That way those who are interested in picking up extra shifts can call you at home to arrange the trade.

If this is unsuccessful, you can talk to colleagues that you know are not working that shift or ask staffing if there is any chance that you can take PTO or work another shift instead. Sometimes staffing are open to swapping shifts, if the one you want off is over staffed, for one that is under staffed.

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Sep 6, 2010

I prefer to ask in person. We do text each other sometimes too. But I prefer to ask in person and I always offer to take up one of their shifts and its fine if they don't want to give it up.

MassED, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2010

Thanks for the responses. I don't expect much, in general, from my coworkers, that way I'm not disappointed. When I work with someone who is helpful, aware, and uses a team approach, then I consider that person one I will ask for a trade one day. It stinks, but the mentality of just looking out for yourself is what I have always found in nursing. When will it become more of a team? Ever? Coincidentally, I got an email request (sent out to the whole department, likely) from a male nurse who is new, asking for MULTIPLE dates to switch, stating his wife's new job and needing childcare. I wonder how many will offer to switch with him???

kesr · Sep 7, 2010

Maybe you should switch a shift or two with him - what goes around comes around! If you get a cooperative reputation, it may pay off for you.

OCNRN63, RN · Sep 7, 2010

Hi guys,
So this is not posted here to change my situation, just more of a rant to wonder WHY this happens and why people, in general, aren't more willing to help or accomodate others. I guess I'm just thinking (and always disappointed) that most people are willing to help others. Guess not.
I had emailed some coworkers who work my same shift, checked to see that they're not working on the shift I'm asking for a switch, proposed nights to do a switch, but zero response. Not even a "hey, I'm sorry, can't work that." I only emailed specific people, so as not to put out a blanket email to all workers that don't work my shift.
If someone working nights needed a switch and I wasn't on, and it wouldn't kill me (like 5 nights in a row), I'd entertain the thought, or email the person.
What is up with people??? I'm new to this job too, so not only was it a leap to even ask (for a few key important dates, being new to state and job, thought it would be worth it to ask), but for these people to not even put a response back out to me. I guess the only thing I've learned in this is 1) who not to ask in the future, for anything and 2) hope they don't ask me for anything, since I'm like an elephant and won't forget they couldn't care enough to help a fellow coworker out.

I can tell you why. When you are constantly barraged with requests to swap shifts, and people don't reciprocate, it gets old, really fast. Especially if you are like me, single, childless, and an "older" nurse. People assume I have nothing better to do. In the last couple of weeks I have been asked 4 times to switch weekends. It gets old really fast.

Other people have plans too. Sometimes you have to accept that working weekends means you have to miss out on weekend events. I've missed stuff too. It is rude not to reply, but for all you know, the nurses you asked may have been asked by others to swap shifts, and yours was just one more request.

If you can make it worth their while to swap you may be more successful. Otherwise, you may need to just get used to the realities of nursing, one of them being missing an event here and there.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 7, 2010

If you can make it worth their while to swap you may be more successful.

Hmmmm ... like, swap shifts and I'll make you brownies? Wash your car? Bribery!

Mulan · Sep 7, 2010

I started out accommodating others but then quickly found out it was never reciprocated, and that was the end of that.

scoochy · Sep 7, 2010

With the exception of two co-workers, I no longer switch shifts. I have done numerous time changes that benefited a co-worker, only to be told "sorry I can't" when I have needed the same. It grows old quickly..... Do not mistake my kindness for weakness, and that is that. :twocents: