<i>Do you have children?</i><p>Irrelevant, the nature of your reason to refuse to work outside of scheduled hours is between you and your conscience.  Be it a child, a dog, opera tickets, or Friday Night Magic - the rules have to be the same.  Being a parent doesn&#x27;t absolve you of responsibilities to patients nor does not being a parent increase your obligations to work additional hours.<p>Her disinterest in finding someone to cover is disappointing in a healthcare professional - but otherwise &quot;I can&#x27;t stay late tonight&quot; is fine unless contractually you are on call.