Nurses working overtime

libran1984, ASN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

I agree with Lindarn also, the RN is the way to go. My 3.76 GPA and 84.5 TEAS test wasn't good enough to get into an RN program so I opt'd for the LPN to tide me over until I can transition. Indiana is very liberal in their state practice act so I'm allowed to start IVs, administer IVP medication, access ports and PICC lines, draw ABG's and initiate the transfusion of blood per MD order. All of which the hospital has extensively provided RN and LPNs together great knowledge and care with continued education - In this respect the LPN equally as knowledgable and skilled as the RN.

My particular hospital does not allow the LPN to administer IVP cardiac medication, Conscious sedation meds, or IV insulin. I am not allowed to EJ anyone unless I have a dual paramedic certification. I am also not allowed to be the primary nurse for Level 1 or 2 acuity (Ie: shockroom pts), although I can still carry out most orders and assist during codes, intubation, and chest tube insertions. The RN must also agree with the LPN assessment or perform her own assessment to comply with JCAHO standards.

So for monetary value, the desire to be more marketable in the nursing world, and to take higher acuity patients as my own I would always recommend the RN route if and when possible.

My hospital also does not allow techs or LPNs in the ICU or NICU.

libran1984, ASN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

Also, to back on track this...

My buddy that I work with who IS an RN. Her Critical Bonus pay is $15 / hour extra while mine is only $10 / hour extra. She picked up 24 hours of Crit pay while 20 of it was overtime.... her TAKE HOME PAY..... omg... so ridiculous.... $2,580. WoW!!!

Overtime is never mandated here in the ER but we're one of the few departments taht offer critical pay to incite ppl to come in on their time off.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

I'm sick of overtime. We've been short for over a year, so overtime is common. For us, overtime occurs on any 'x' days or scheduled days off, whether you're part or full time. I've stopped answering their calls, and I say no to requests at work most of the time. By January, I was exhausted from all the picked up shifts. I made a firm decision that this year, I'm reclaiming my life. I'm not working more than 2-3 extra shifts within a 3 month time frame.

BostonTerrierLover, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

Ok, I have a "spending problem," sign me up for the OT Johanna doesn't want.

(panting like a dog in a begging position)

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

I don't think we do mandatory overtime. They also have made a conscious choice to not do critical pay at our hospital. People aren't safe working the amount of overtime some of you are describing.

PMFB-RN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

People aren't safe working the amount of overtime some of you are describing.

*** Different people have different tolerances for work hours.

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

*** Different people have different tolerances for work hours.

This is an argument i hear a lot in the nursing world, but with Large money incentives involved We really can't trust individual nurses to responsibly regulate their 'personal tolerance". Maybe you certainly can work 16 hour days 6 days a week safely.......but most people can't. We need to have standards that do not encourage people to work unsafely.

PMFB-RN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

This is an argument i hear a lot in the nursing world, but with Large money incentives involved We really can't trust individual nurses to responsibly regulate their 'personal tolerance". Maybe you certainly can work 16 hour days 6 days a week safely.......but most people can't. We need to have standards that do not encourage people to work unsafely.

*** That sounds good. However I hate to see one size fits all rules that apply to everyone reguardless of their strengths and abilities and reguardless of the type of job they are doing.

I don't doubt that it is an argument you hear a lot in the nursing world. It doesn't seem to be an issue in other fields. The physicians I work with are on 24 hour shifts and it doesn't seem to be an issue at all.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

Boston terrier lover, you can have it! I'm a second career nurse, and I've learned the value of having my health and piece of mind vs work. There needs to be a balance, at least for me. I live within a budget and spend accordingly so I don't need to work overtime. That's just me.

BostonTerrierLover, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

When I grow up, I am going to try to find that balance. (But, for now, most hours are quiet in the ER- especially around spring and summer.) So, load me up! I understand the Work vs. Happiness paradigm, and trust me, I have slowed down since when I first got my wings. And, I totally agree, Mandatory vs. Choosing it makes a huge difference!

raskol · Apr 9, 2012

Just came home from another shift. Nurses who are already scheduled overtime this week will be mandated to stay past their eight hour shift because we have TWO NURSES for 28 beds. Because we were only scheduled three (due to severe staffing issues) and one called in.

You bet, I love overtime but not forced and not in the 50 hour range every single week on shifts with only four nurses when we are suppose to have 6-7

desert_MP, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2012

I work in the OR and with call it's not uncommon to put in 30+ hours of overtime over a two week pay period. Since we're only on call once or twice a week it's not bad. And we only work 1 weekend every 10.