Taking care of yourself first

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2003

Originally posted by cindylouwho
the older you get..the easier it is to say no.......

I've been at this for 24 years and still get sucked in at times. I am getting better at it, so I guess that what you say is so. I did say no today and have a had a wonderful day off! Going for a bike ride now...

TrudyRN · Sep 3, 2007

I used to work double shifts, extra shifts, anytime I was asked. This was when I was a new nurse and didn't know better!!!
The thing is, no matter how much you help out and no matter how much your coworkers, mgr etc apprciate it, that appreciation will never make up for the time you miss with your family. And it will never make up for the time you miss rejuvenating yourself on your days off. Believe me, the extra money isn't worth your life.

Furthermore, do one thing wrong and all that "appreciation" will go flushing down the nearest toilet.

TrudyRN · Sep 3, 2007

I am curious to know how many of us feel guilted into going into work when asked to come in extra? I just consulted with myself for an hour and a half before finally calling my unit back after the manager left a message on my machine asking me to come in and help out. I know it stinks for my co-workers to work short and know how much I appreciate it when someone comes in to help out when I am the one working. I often do come in extra when asked. Today, I really didn't want to, though. No real excuse, just wanted to enjoy the day off. Anyway, I finally called to say I would not be in, but geez, it took me two hours to talk myself into doing what I wanted to do!
I know it is more to do with personality than anything, but I do wish I had the easy ability to say when I don't have it to give and just want to take care of me! Anyone with me on this?

As a manager, I always disliked it when people would call back to tell me "no". It was better that they just not call back. Some like you to call either way - it gives them a chance to try to guilt trip you into saying yes.

Do what is best for YOU. That's what your boss does. And you don't need an excuse to want and enjoy a day off.

TrudyRN · Sep 3, 2007

I know how you feel, my director does a really good job at giving you a guilt trip if you do not want to work on your day off. I am a float - so in theory I can work anytime I want as there IS ALWAYS a need somewhere. I have gotten to the point that I do not answer the phone if the hospital calls. I will listen to the message and depending on how I feel I will call back and sometimes I dont call back at all. It gets tiring to be called day after day for assistance, I understand they are short staffed, but I have a family that comes first.
We should not feel guilty becasue we do not want to spend our whole lives at our job.... family needs to come first and if and when you can help out on occassion great, but dont feel guilty for having a life. How many directors come in and help out when the floor is short staffed?
They do have their own work to do and can't come running in every time.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2007

No guilt here. I usually delete the message without a call back. At least you had the courtesy to let them know you got the message and weren't coming. Relax, as you said you do your fair share of overtime and you indeed have the right attitude - you must take care of yourself first.