I work at a hospital and this is the first time this has happened.
I'm sure you all are familiar with low census days.
I went in today, clocked in and was to be pulled to a unit down the hall I regularly work. Found out there was 3 nursing assistants (that's what I am) scheduled which was too many.
The PNCC called the nursing supervisor and she said then to send one of the assistants home. I said I'd go as this may be the last day I can get off till after the heavy winter sick season is over with.
As I was going home, I recalled that somewhere I heard or read or something that if one comes in to work on a scheduled day and then is sent home because of staffing, that they need to be paid for 4 hours work.
Maybe this is just a policy for temporary/agency staff but I was curious if it is good for full-time employees or maybe a labor law or whatever.
If anyone can supply good information, I sure would appreciate it.
If a state has that compensation law, your lucky. My facility only pays for time you are on the clock. If you go home on call they pay 2 bucks an hour at home. If you go home for the day with no call back ability, you get no pay just credit toward your accumulation of vacation hours for the next year.
Definately check with personel, but dont expect anything. If you do get 2 or 4 hrs pay, just consider it luck and stash it away for a rainy day.
look at your CNA contract. Here in WA, my union contract states that if you show up and they give you low census, then they have to pay you for at least four hours. Of course if they call you prior to you leaving your house and tell you, then they don't have to pay you.
I work for a local hosp. and we have had a low census for the last couple of months and usually the night shift PCT/CNA don't get cancelled but lately i have benn sent home on cancelled 2 times a pay period...which sucks royally. Here in Fl regardless of if they call you to cancel you or send you home you don't get paid jack!!! I would agree with the other posters check your hosp. policy...
Specializes in Happily semi-retired; excited for the whole whammy.
Hey All,
I work for a local hosp. and we have had a low census for the last couple of months and usually the night shift PCT/CNA don't get cancelled but lately i have benn sent home on cancelled 2 times a pay period...which sucks royally. Here in Fl regardless of if they call you to cancel you or send you home you don't get paid jack!!! I would agree with the other posters check your hosp. policy...
good luck
coco
That's really unfair! (I'm sure you didn't need me to tell you, that, though...)
We get accumulated Paid Time Off (PTO) on each check. About 7.4 hours per 80 hour check. We can use it for whatever-sick time, vacation time, etc.
Well, if there is low census, and none of the other units in our pod (ours is the cardiology pod) need a staff member, then we are offered to use our PTO and go home, and get paid for the entire shift. The time comes out of our accumulated PTO. If you dont want to use your PTO, there's always someone who wants to. You don't just go home and not get paid.
NH labor laws state that if you get sent home after showing up for a scheduled shift, you are to get paid 2 hours show up time. In CT I believe it is 4 Hrs minimum.
I would check with your state department of labor and see if you can find out. Also, some of the posters above, it sounds like the places may be taking advantage, esp the one where you have to use PTO. What state is that- I will try to look up the laws. I used to be in the staffing industry (non- medical) and had to know these laws by heart.
meownsmile, BSN, RN
2,532 Posts
If a state has that compensation law, your lucky. My facility only pays for time you are on the clock. If you go home on call they pay 2 bucks an hour at home. If you go home for the day with no call back ability, you get no pay just credit toward your accumulation of vacation hours for the next year.
Definately check with personel, but dont expect anything. If you do get 2 or 4 hrs pay, just consider it luck and stash it away for a rainy day.