Ratios and Break Coverage

We are using a "break RN" to cover when we can. It doesn't always happen, but it is sure nice when it does. Our charge nurses take a full assignment, so can't cover breaks. We often are forced to eat on the run. There are frequent interruptions with needs from the floor (not enough RNs & CNAs to meet patient needs etc). We staff about one CNA per 14-15 patients. Not enough IMHO.

California labor law requires that each employee get a break after five hours unless previously agreed that six hours is acceptable to both employee and employer.

8 hour workers must get at least 30 minutes for a meal break around the middle of the shift. 12 hour workers get two meal breaks one of which may be taken on the unit on paid time.

If you don't get your breaks you qualify for payment of one hour for up to 2 missed breaks per shift.

We insist that a competent RN take report and assume responsibility for our patients. If ther is no one we eat as possible on the unit interrupted for answering lights and so on. We then fill out the slip for overtime pay.

Since we all decided to do this on every shift we now have a break relief RN who also responds to codes and admits patients after all have had their break.

We used to go on break together or lie down for an hour on less busy nights. No more, but the peace of mind and improved patient care are worth it.

Amazing how they 'found' nurses when it cost the more to pay us overtime.

It is not perfect. They have left us short a couple times when someone called in sick. We put in for OT and it didn't become a habit.

I wish you well. Nursing is difficult enough. Nutrition and rest are needed to do this job.