Ginny - more info is needed, please. Unfortunately you are in a profession that is designated as one that can be exempt from some laws that govern most work places. For example, if you ask for a vacation day but your absence would understaff your department, they can turn it down. Sorry, kiddo. That is not to say that your supervisors are not using that exemption power unfairly, and there are certainly some things that you can do.
You may want to get started at the Department of Labor page concerning workplaces (there is a link to your local department as well) and read up on what the feds say about that - just
click! There are some differences if work for a state facility or if you are protected by a union. I would be glad to help you find a solution if you give me a bit more info.
I miss ya, Ginny girl! If you want more links or info,
click , and get an email to me. I will get info back to ya asap.
All you can do is the best you can do ... but the best you can do is enough.