Is this a legal part of the job?

Nurses Activism

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Alright, I am not sure if this is in the right area, I'm really not sure where I should have started this thread. Admins, please feel free to move it wherever you feel it belongs!

So, Winter is here, like it or not. Last night at work, I was informed, through the grapevine of course because I work NOC's and it is a pretty damn rare sight to see administration, that it is the night staff's duty (RN's, LPN's, CNA's, we're at a LTC/Rehab facility) to clear away snow that falls/blows in the night. Um, seriously?! What is the role of maintanence? Apparently their day ends at 5pm along with all other administrators?

I don't do snow, not at home and certainly not at work in my Dansko's and thin scrub pants! (I don't own snow gear and you can bet your sweet bippy I have no intention of investing in any!) Is this a demand they can make of nursing staff? I'm truly interested in knowing the law in regards to fair labor. Any insight or links anyone?

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While I think that this is not a good idea, I doubt that it is illegal.

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Is it in your contract? I sincerely doubt they can make you do this. That is beyond ridiculous.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Sounds like a joke, but I guess it's not. I would ask to see a copy of your job description.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Nope.That's ridiculous. If they are too cheap to pay someone to do this it is not your fault. This is not a nursing duty.

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Is this a demand they can make of nursing staff? I'm truly interested in knowing the law in regards to fair labor. Any insight or links anyone?

I am still a nursing student, but it sounds like this is affecting all of the patient care staff. Every job description I have ever had/signed usually had a little clause that said something along the lines of "and other duties as assigned". It's completely unfair, but I think that is the clause that lets most employers have you do whatever they desire.

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They said we couldn't go to the laundry and wash bed pads at night (there had been a fire in a dryer) but our residents needed pads. At least that was related to patient care and the employees wanted to do it. Clearing snow is a maintenence duty. They can hire another maintenance person or pay overtime. I've seen maintenance persons come early and leave late. Doubt the extra time was reflected on their checks.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

My facility hires a subcontractor with a truck with a plow blade on the front and he does the parking lots. Maintenance staff does the walkways.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I think sonmeone is messing with your head.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

There's no contract, per se. I KNOW no one mentioned snow removal prior to the exact moment it was brought up to me last night. Again, not by management! Believe me, I would have remembered!

Is it in your contract? I sincerely doubt they can make you do this. That is beyond ridiculous.
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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I'd like to think so, but the CNA's said the nurse who worked on Saturday went out twice and pushed snow around. I haven't texted her yet to get the scoop, but I can completely believe it they way I've been told.

I think sonmeone is messing with your head.
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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

And who cares for the pts while you are outside shovelling?

Sounds ridiculous!

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