The in's and out's of a casual position?

[sarahg88]

Im hired on as casual in a LTC facility... i also have another casual job and a part-time job in acute care. I know, may have gotten myself in over my head for this one reason: I DONT KNOW HOW TO SAY NO. Is it wrong of me to say "no i cant work that shift today" if i get called in just because i plain don't wanna go? and wanna day off? I feel like im obligated to say yes to every call..... ppl with experience as a casual, i need some advice as to how to be a good casual employee?

[new_grad]

The way I've known temporary agencies to work best is for you to give your company set days when you are available, say M-F, or Th-Mon, or only days - whatever days/shifts work for you. Also, be very clear with them about your strengths and weaknesses. That way, no one's time is wasted and you can decline anything that wasn't agreed upon, and you can easily and happily say yes whenever they call you during the times/shifts you agreed to and the kinds of jobs you told them you could do.

There are some people who will say 'Jump at anything they offer you', which is good advice for getting work in administrative positions, but I don't think that advice is applicable in nursing largely because of the differences in responsibility on the job and skill levels of the nurses.

It is entirely okay to say 'I'm not available to work today' and leave it at that, IF you haven't told them you are available. If, however, you have told them you'll work a day, and they call you on that day with an appropriate assignment, it would be very bad form to decline.

It's okay and healthy to set boundaries and limits on your time and energy so that when you do work you are the best nurse you can be.