switching schedules

[MassED]

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.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

I remember a woman wanting me to switch with her, but was super picky about which shift of mine she picked up in return. After that, never again with her.

[AndyLyn]

It's hard when you're new. It takes a while for people to warm up to you, both when you're working and in your personal life. I wouldn't take it personally. I don't mind switching with nurses that I trust, it's just that we've all been burned by the "help me out this time and I'll help you out next time that never happens" person at one time or another.

[coolpeach]

I have only been working since Feb of this year, but have never gotten a "will you switch email". If I had, and didn't know the person I would have disregarded it too. I mean I don't even know who this is right? It would be a lot different if the person would have come up, introduced themselves and asked me.

At my hospital people switch shifts all the time. Its a daily thing, but they ask each other. Or will say to the group in the nurses station.."Hey who can work such and such"? Somebody is usually always willing to switch. The deal is if I do it for you then you will be there if at all possible when I need to switch. If your the one who always says "no" then you can bet what response your going to get when you need to take your kiddo to the Dr.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

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.

yeah, it has always been that way, I do not expect anyone to switch with me. I did offer ideas on switching my night for theirs. I think it boils down to people not wanting to change or accomodate for anyone else. I know people have things going on, just like me, but sometimes things work out for others all the way around. It's just rude not to reply when I sent out the email to specific people (about 5 people) that I knew weren't working those night shifts.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

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

oh yeah, I'd never be stupid enough to offer up to work for them without a swap for one of my shifts. Ever. Been down that road before where you can then never get them to work one of yours. No way. Even swap. What's the big deal with people looking at their schedule and if it works, switch? Sometimes you can get a long stretch of days off or be able to go to a function that you wouldn't have otherwise been able to go to??