Double Time Pay

[Elleteedee226]

I'm new to the OR, working in a small, non-union hospital.  The other day I was asked to come at 0600 the following day, not terribly unusual depending on the case schedule.  I was also on call that night.  We ended up having 3 cases added to our day and once our team lead realized that I would be working more than 12 hours and making double time, they told me to take a 2-hour break.  I worked 0600-1300; 1500-2330.  The more I think about it the more cheated I feel.  Am I overreacting?  Is this normal?

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

You agreed to take the 2 hour break. No one made you so it’s hard to argue. I personally would not have. 

[Elleteedee226]

I resisted taking the 2-hour break but it wasn’t an option.  Another coworker was asked to stay over and told flat out if she agreed to stay late she would need to clock out and then clock back in after 30 min because they didn’t want to have to pay 2x.  She at least was given the choice and sadly, she agreed to it.  

I appreciate your reply.  I have a feeling this might be happening more often so I just wanted to hear from others.

[RuralMOSchoolRN, ADN, RN]

That's BS.  You couldn't have gone home and had any amount of sleep or down time with a two hour break.  I guess I would talk to HR or nurse staffing regarding future issues and if you're comfortable, tell them in the future that they can pay the x2 or call someone in to pick up the rest of your shift but that you would no longer be taking an unproductive break in the middle of your day.  I understand why you feel cheated and agree you got screwed.

[amoLucia]

Dept of Labor anyone?

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

It's so hard to recognize these problems in the moment.  I probably would have agreed too, and then once I got out to my car, I would have been like "...wait a second..."  I agree with the prior poster who mentioned being proactive. Go to your manger (or whoever is appropriate in your chain) and say "Here is what happened last week.  I agreed to it, but in future I won't, so I want to be sure you have other plans in place." 

[chare]

Do you get double time for greater than 12 consecutive hours?  Or greater than 12 hours in a total time worked for the shift?  You need to review your policy first.  I agree with @CommunityRNBSN about talking with your manager as this would likely be more productive than talking to HR.

Best wishes.

[amoLucia]

Hmmm ... I remember waaay back when you'd just go to Payroll for info.

[Elleteedee226]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply.

Per policy, we get double-time for 12 consecutive hours worked, hence the 2-hour break.

I have since spoken to my supervisor the following week and told her that while I completely understand the need to limit double time there are times that it’s unavoidable and warranted and that I felt this was an example of double time being warranted and earned.  

At minimum, I should be paid my callback wage since I was on call that day. She agreed that I should get paid my callback time.

My supervisor was going to discuss the issue with the dept manager…still waiting to hear…

[K. Everly, BSN, RN]

On 3/31/2022 at 11:54 AM, RuralMOSchoolRN said:

That's BS.  You couldn't have gone home and had any amount of sleep or down time with a two hour break.  I guess I would talk to HR or nurse staffing regarding future issues and if you're comfortable, tell them in the future that they can pay the x2 or call someone in to pick up the rest of your shift but that you would no longer be taking an unproductive break in the middle of your day.  I understand why you feel cheated and agree you got screwed.

I completely agree! Well said!

[floydnightingale]

Can't cite specific laws and things vary from state to state but the two hour break is effectively starting you off with a 14 hour shift, albeit 2 hours are unproductive. No, no, no, no. Your employer is beyond exploitative. 

Split shifts are common in the food service industry. Wonder why your favorite restaurant can't find enough people to stay open after the Great Resignation??

When I was working I often pulled sixteen hour shifts, but if it was unscheduled I was often offered unmentionable incentives I couldn't refuse (well, I could refuse but the incentives were lucrative). That's the difference between a respectful employer and yours. May be time to look around, or at least consult with the labor board or, if you have one, your union.

 

[RickyRescueRN, BSN, RN]

Geez, that is NOT OK. That is exploitation pure and simple. In this day and age you can get a job anywhere so you need to decide whether you want to work for a lousy employer like that who takes advantage of their staff, or you wish to work for an employer who respects your time off and appreciates you and will pay you for your willingness to step up and help the department out.