Would you take this job?

[Kiyomi]

I just started orientation at a group home where they do 12hr shifts. It is staffed by 1 RN and 1 CNA for 7 residents. You are not allowed to leave on your break, not even to go sit in your car, because you have to be available and ready to respond, in case anything happens. I don't think that is a true break. You get paid for the meal break, but I would rather not get paid and have a real break - 12 hrs is a long time. I also don't understand how they enforce the federally mandated 15 min. break for every 4 hrs worked.

I know I shouldn't be picky in this job market. I have 7 years hospital experience and this was all I could find for now. (It's also a $9/hr pay cut from my last job.)

[LiteCandles]

I never worked a job where if the break was paid that you could leave the premise..

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

There are no federally mandated breaks. http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workhours/breaks.htm

At the home, is there a porch, backyard, whatever, that you can use and still be present?

I suspect that there will some downtime in that 12 hours, and as long as there's some opportunity to get away by yourself for a few minutes I wouldn't stress too much about it.

However, I suspect the money matters may be more of an issue for you.