Unit Managers

Doesnt happen at my facility. When we have a call off. .the shift is replaced..we dont usually have that many though. .and we have a pretty good group of casual nurses...

If the shift can't be covered by calling someone in off the staff roster, the least senior nurse gets mandated to stay and work the shift with double time pay. Managers only fill in if absolutely necessary, and then every effort is made to get the next shift to come in early or get someone in for a partial shift.

In my facility we are having this issue. As a manager, I was on the cart my third day on the unit (yes, third day in the building) because of a call out. I have been in the position almost two months and haven't even had my first full week of call yet and I am already having to cover shifts on other units, not just my unit. Managers are on a med cart at least once a week, many times more, consistently covering "holes" in staffing and call outs. I'm trying to hold on and not leave however we are salaried and only get straight time for the extra shifts. Honestly, I am exhausted.

At the SNF I work at, staff not working are asked to come in and get OT. However, the corporate nurse made it clear that she holds the rule that Unit Managers will not be pulled to the floor. This helps alot. So maybe it's something to bring up to your corporate people. If they're not willing to look into it, then do what's best for you. I agree it's hard to be a good UM when you're pulled off your role to cover another's. Could it also be that the scheduling person at your place doesn't really go into depth to find a replacement for call offs and just assumes y'all will replace????