California nurses--- Do you REALLY get to eat meals?

[Riseupandnurse]

I live in the Midwest and I know that legislation was passed in California that nurses actually get their lunch breaks. We absolutely don't. Hardly ever. Do you REALLY get lunch breaks, I mean a real break where you could go to the cafeteria, don't have to carry your phone with you and run back when it rings? (I can hardly imagine it.) And if you do, who takes care of your patients while you're gone? I am dying of curiosity if it really is so very much better in California for nurses. Thank you!

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

I would like to know if CA hospitals really stick to the ratios, and what happens if they don't.

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

yup 1/2HR lunch break and two 15s

[SanFranSRNA]

Yup I second that. I'm currently a traveler from Nevada. At my current facility, the charge nurses will go around and ask if you have already taken your break if not he/she will cover for you during lunch. It's awesome.

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

We get a half-hour break and an hour lunch. It's almost more time than I know what to do with. We're covered by either the charge nurse or the buffers, who are on schedule without an assignment and are there expressly to cover breaks (and to assist the charge nurse).

[Kosmonavt]

In my hospital we get about 15 min for breakfast and 30 min for lunch. Unfortunately we have to cover for each other during breaks, which is a violation of the State law. Nevertheless, nurses always take breaks. We are entitled to one 15 min afternoon break as well, but we never take it. Instead, the breakfast break can take longer, up to 30 min sometimes.

Not taking a break is not normal. You own health is always a top priority.

[RNLola035]

Yup! At my previous employer we had relief nurses who would relieve us for a 30 minute lunch and a 15 minute for a 8 hr shift.

[Sarah7781]

In the UK it is ilegal not to allow nursing staff to take breaks.

They are even entitled to have cigarette breaks!

[norcalRNstudent]

Barring some catastrophic event, like half the staff calling in sick, I get my 30 minute breaks always. We have floats to help out and run break coverage.

[merit119]

what does the law say about a 12 hour shift? how many brakes are you allowed?

just wondering, since i just got hired and had to sign a paper to voluntarily give up one of my entitled breaks.

[Riseupandnurse]

I am so very green with envy. We don't even have real charge nurses. The charge carries a load that is just as heavy as everyone else so there is never anyone with a free minute. No meals, maybe a ten minute break carrying and answering your phone, and nothing to look forward to but an hour or two overshift every single day to try to catch up.

[Rockhopper]

12 hr shifts should have a minimum of two 15s (although our CNA contract says we are allowed three 15s) and one 30. Most ppl "voluntarily" take only a 15 & a 30. I try to take the 2nd 15 but it's not always feasible since the lunch/break RN can't possibly relieve everyone for all breaks.