Should I say sometimes or quilty?

Hi fellow nurses! I have a dilemma. I work per diem. My schedule is set 8 wrks a month and pick a few extra if I want to. I've noticed the beginning of my employment I got called off more often and now I get call in to work more than usual. Here is the issue I have not said yes yet to these calls. I have issue with childcare or sometimes it's my weekend off. I usually arrange the childcare for the working schedules. Get up and go to work on call isn't an option. It's not that I don't want to but it's not an option right now as I said earlier. I wouldn't mind make a few extra bucks and help out. However, should I feel guilty about this? Will I be frowned upon for not going in? Besides childcare problem I'm also going through some personal issues too. I feel I should be home not at work at this time. Last edit by Born_2BRN on Nov 3, '12
Why not just picking a few REGULAR extra dates ahead when your new sched is due to come out? You could then plan ahead for child care as nec.Also, have you determined any type of pattern when they seem to call? Like Mondays or Fridays? Some staff like to make the un-official long 3-day weekend...so your place is short.

I do pick a few extra shifts a month that's why I can't come in when they call. If I work more I would burn out quickly.

Let your staffing clerk know that you are NOT available on specific dates. They don't have issues with knowing who they can't cold call

Don't feel guilty about turning shifts down: as long as you are meeting your minimum requirements, you are holding up your end of the deal. And you are already throwing them a few extra.If there are specific dates you can't/don't want to work, let staffing know that you are not free on those days. If they do call on those dates, learn not to answer the phone (I bless whoever invented caller ID). However, do not tell them NEVER to call you--limiting dates you're not available is one thing; making a "don't call me, I'll call you" threat is another. That's a good way to make an enemy fast in the staffing office.But never pull an attitude about them calling when they do call. Staffing does remember how per-diems act and treat them. If you don't feel like talking to them, don't answer and let voice mail take the call for you. Last, remember that if there's a bona-fide staffing emergency they need to address, they're going to do whatever they can...and yes, that means calling those who declared they were not available or couldn't take the call today. Imagine if you were the nurse on unit hoping for help in a staffing crisis: wouldn't you want staffing to do everything they can to get you that help, instead of their trying only a handful of people and then telling you, "sorry, can't find anyone."

If you have trouble saying no, then don't answer the phone. This is what I do -- let the call go to voicemail, then see what they want, and only call back if I am interested.

Thanks all! I was ask if I wanted to be scheduled FT when I started working but I said no. There is a reason why I chose per diem without benefits! I usually called after I received the voice mail telling them I can't come in for this and this reason. Which I didn't really lie those were genuine valid reasons. I wish I could pick up more but right now I just cant. Maybe I could in the near future though. I love working there and would really love to help that's why I feel so bad for not able to.