California Law. Covering another Nurses Patients

[lassenlake]

I have not thought of this but where I am floating they ask nurses to cover another nurse to give them a lunch break. This means I (and others) are watching 8 patients. Is this ok? We are not offered any other breaks and there is no "break nurse"

Thanks in advance.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

As far as I know, the ratios for patient load is set by law in California. I do not recall there being an exception to that law for things like meal breaks. If you're over ratio, you're over ratio regardless of the reason. If I recall correctly, the facility is the responsible entity for ensuring that the ratios are maintained at all times.

I very well could be wrong about that... but at least that's my understanding.

[wanderlust99]

No, not ok. You could report them.

[B,RN]

I work in ICU. In the ICU setting we can only have 2 patients. 2 patients means 2 patients, not 3 or 4 if your buddy is on a break. There needs to be adequate staffing for meal coverage for all of your 10 minute breaks (1 every 4 hours you work) and your 30 minute lunch break. Most places I have worked has 1 or 2 break nurses that come in and cover you for your assigned break time. If there is no break nurse- it means you get paid for your missed breaks, because you cannot legally take a break and put someone else out of ratio.