Dear Amy: I’m a woman working as a nurse in a busy hospital.

I have a younger colleague who at this point has a weekend shift.

Two or three times a month, he asks me to change shifts with him. Sometimes I say yes – but most of the time I say no.

Last weekend, as usual, he asked me to switch shifts with him, but I told him that I had family obligations over the weekend and couldn’t do that.

He got really upset with me and said he was going to go to our supervisor.

He did, and our supervisor sided with me.

He now refuses to speak to me. I feel bad about it and I’m wondering if I’m doing the right thing.

– Tired in the ER

Dear Tired: Your supervisor stood up for your right (and duty) to work the shifts you’ve been assigned. This person likely assigns shifts for specific reasons (aside from availability).

Your co-worker was arrogant enough to take this issue to your supervisor. At this point you might be relieved that he won’t speak to you – but if this avoidance interferes with your ability to provide good patient care, your supervisor should again be told.

You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.