Do you get your breaks?

spineCNOR · Dec 26, 2002

In my workplace (OR), we generally get our 30 minute lunch break. We get a morning 15 minute break about 50% of the time, and do not get an afternnon break - the hospital's stand on this is that we are paid during the 15-min break times, so they are not obligated to give us these breaks- HOWEVER, the managers always get their breaks, even when we are short-staffed and very busy. They take care of each other first, then if they have time they might take care of their staff.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 26, 2002

it runs about 50/50...some shifts I do, others not a minute to pee even. It can get ugly working 12 hours and realizing 10 into it, I have not even pee'd. And unhealthy. And being compensated by clocking "no lunch" does not to me, cut it. If it is happening the majority of the time, then it's time for staffing to be reconsidered. It's unhealthy to work 12 straight w/o even a break to drink a glass of water or pee. Period.

K O'Malley · Dec 26, 2002

Getting a 15 min. break is unheard of, it just doesn't happen where I work. About half the time we do get to go to dinner for 30 minutes. I have worked many a 12 hr shift with no meal break and no bathroom break.

lovenicu · Dec 26, 2002

I just started in this unit 5 months ago and was very surprised when breaks were INSISTED on. Even if you are super busy, a float nurse comes and takes over while you take your FULL break! It really amazed me, because the last unit I worked in, if you were busy, that was your problem. if you got yur break fine and if not too bad!

OzNurse69 · Dec 26, 2002

In Queensland we have MANDATED breaks. It's amazing how organised management can be to come & relieve you when they know that if you haven't had your 1/2 hour break by the 6th hour, they then have to pay you overtime for the rest of your shift.

sandgroper · Dec 26, 2002

OzNurse69

That goes for us in the west too. Here its double-time until you get your break.

ANnot4me · Dec 26, 2002

It always shocks me that hospitals take the risk of not making sure nurses get their breaks or that they are paid the OT they are due. One complaint to the labor board or a class action lawsuit and they are in deep doo doo.

As far as the hospital that says that you are not paid for the 15 minute breaks and so they are not obligated to give them: the federal government would be surprised to hear their take on that! It is federal law. Just go and read that poster on the wall that states the minimum wage. The fine print explain explains what employees are entitled to as far as breaks are concerned.

All I can think of is a day last week when I spent 6 hours trying to keep an agitated and confused patient in bed. I was ready to lose my sh*t. I needed to get away from that man for his sake and mine.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2002

Wow...it seems like the nurses from down under have got it right. I LIKE that solution!!!

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 27, 2002

They got a LOT of things "right" downunder that we need to glom onto. Like paid family leave for parents......and not a mere couple weeks either......WE need to GET WITH it and GET OUR PRIORITIES straight in the USA.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2002

SMB....boy do I ever agree! We are all wrapped up in delivering customer service, yet we disallow ourselves the basics in the process. This really is a self defeatist profession in that regard. I'm done on that vein though...this could snowball. :rolleyes:

tonchitoRN · Dec 28, 2002

yes, it is time to stand up for yourself and take a break. i used to take a 30 minute lunch break and made it very clear that i was not to be disturbed during my break. don't let peer pressure dictate otherwise. :cool:

trishrnc1985 · Dec 28, 2002

I WORK A 8 HOUR DAYSHIFT. WE USUALLY DONT GET OUR 15 MIN. BREAKS. BUT WE TRY TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE GETS TO EAT LUNCH. RECENTLY WE HAVE BEEN BRINGING OUR LUNCH BECAUSE OUR CAFETERIA RAISED THE PRICES AND DECREASED OUR EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT WITHOUT A HEADS UP.