Just want your opinion on whether or not you would call out for this.
I took a new job, which I sincerely regret because I hate almost everything about it, except for the kids I care for. The job itself, the hours, some of the team members etc. I love caring for the population, but all that stuff coupled with a 2 plus hour commute each way is making the job insufferable! I am of course in the process of looking for a new one...
I have been schedule on nights this week after being on days for a few weeks and today is night number two and I have slept a whopping three hours in about 36 hours. I tried sleeping today and woke up after about 2 hours and I could not go back to sleep, so I ended up just getting up.. Because my commute is so long and the shifts are 12 hours there isn't more time for me to try again, thus I am truly beyond exhausted, to exhausted to safely drive or care for patients. If this were you would you call out? I am on orientation and I don't want to get fired for calling out, but at the same time it means I don't count as a body on the shift.
Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.
I don't understand the objection to calling out when someone feels unsafe to practice because of sustained lack of sleep. If I really felt like I might be unsafe I would call out. I work in the ED with critical patients and need to be sharp and rested. Maybe people in other jobs that do not require alertness and a sharp mind should go in.
On the other hand, if someone is on orientation and not fully responsible for patients yet, that might be a different matter. Maybe they could explain what is going on and try to work something out with their preceptor. I might explain my concerns when calling out and see what they say, maybe they would assign another at home activity so you could continue to learn.
In addition, drowsy driving is impaired driving and illegal. I mean if your eyes are closing and you are nodding off and swerving. Don't do that.
Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.
Several posts have been edited or removed, either for Terms of Service violation (name-calling and off-topic remarks), or for continuity (the remark to which they responded had been removed or edited).
Please respond to the topic only and keep remarks professional.
Not sleeping and driving the distance you have to go is a recipe for disaster (that is even before you actually arrive at work, then have to make the commute home again).
Being reliable is so important on job, but then again placing one's life in jeopardy by driving in a lack of sleep fugue (as well as all those innocent souls driving on the road too) not to mention being technically unfit for duty due to being intoxicated by sleep deprivation, it seems like a moot point.
Safety first. "First do no harm" (there is nothing wrong with loving yourself too).
For anyone who can't sleep due to a schedule you're not used to, please go see your primary care provider. A prescription sleep medication can make all the difference in the world!
Yes, I would call out. But I would make a point of getting my sleep in for the rest of my shifts. You must have lost your mind with 12h shifts and a 2h commute!! Can you rent a room between back to back shifts?
Your experience with promises made during the interview, vrs the reality when you arrive for work is classic. Get it in writing, every time.
For anyone who can't sleep due to a schedule you're not used to, please go see your primary care provider. A prescription sleep medication can make all the difference in the world!
Yeah , well no. Please see the many threads here regarding medicating ourselves to work off shift.
Please don't pick on newgradnurse. She may be inexperienced and ignorant now, but she's gaining knowledge and experience. Calm down and have some empathy for someone who is learning and growing. Your nursing colleagues are your allies.
I have registered since dec 2017 and been working for a full year. So no idea where you got July from? Hence my name new gradnurse17 (as in 2017 I was a new grad)
as well as that, when I was a student I had no option but to live with my parents, which meant a hour commute each way to school or the hospital for placements. So I know what it's like having to do commutes. Unfortunately having little sleep is something I had to get used to. But it's something you just have to deal with and not call I sick for. She choose to take this job knowing what it entailed. Complaining because if traffic or meetings after work is rediculous. If you can't handle it then quit.
amzyRN
1,142 Posts
I don't understand the objection to calling out when someone feels unsafe to practice because of sustained lack of sleep. If I really felt like I might be unsafe I would call out. I work in the ED with critical patients and need to be sharp and rested. Maybe people in other jobs that do not require alertness and a sharp mind should go in.
On the other hand, if someone is on orientation and not fully responsible for patients yet, that might be a different matter. Maybe they could explain what is going on and try to work something out with their preceptor. I might explain my concerns when calling out and see what they say, maybe they would assign another at home activity so you could continue to learn.
In addition, drowsy driving is impaired driving and illegal. I mean if your eyes are closing and you are nodding off and swerving. Don't do that.