REST BREAKS for Nurses in The ER

Specialties Emergency

Published

Life in our ER is, no doubt, as busy and demanding as it is in yours. We work 12 hour shifts. I love the work. I love the pace. I do not, however, love both for hours on end without breaks.

We usual can get one thirty minute break. In a recent Charge Nurses meeting, however, our Nurse Manager advised that breaks in the ER will be "allowed," if possible, but are not required.

HUH?!!

I voiced my opinion in no uncertain terms, and have since taken the HEAT for it. I called the Labor Board and our local Union to clarify the rules. I've continued to advocate for regular breaks in the ER, to my own hurt, I'm afraid.

Yesterday, I received word that, due to my "frustration" with the ER, I am 'encouraged' to transfer to another unit.

Any comments?:uhoh21:

If you are threatened because you insist on taking you breaks, start taking notes, and include any "abnormal events, like having difficulty tansferring a patient, or a difficut admission, problems with other units and staff, (so you have 'ammunition', to reply to complaints by management) make copies of your nurses notes, incident reports, nursing care, take a witness in with you for any meeetings with management and administration. In other words, be proactive and one step ahead of them, anticipating anything that they could try to use to get rid of you.

Be smart, do not tell anyone that you are "keeping track" of things. But in case the $!, hits the fan, just think how happy you employment attorney will be when you show him your evidence (and he, in turn, shows it to the hospital attorney in your defense). Remember, a picture (or report, a paper trail), is worth a thousand words. This advice is to ALL NURSES, who have problems with management, administration, or are planning a union organizing campaign, or anyone who might be having trouble with the powers that be.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

But can you honestly do something with just notes. Wouldn't they wonder why you never mentioned it to management and are just now bringing it up when the *(^$ hits the fan lol. I am just genuinely curious. I have had problems with management in other professions and usually when I bring up the problems they say, "Well why didn't you say something about it then?" Then they say that it doesn't matter and it's too late to be bringing it up and I should have said something about it earlier. Also how do they know what you document is true? As far as they know it is a one-sided overly exagerated lie on paper.

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I worked for over 2 years as a tech at Level 1 ED before graduating with my BSN. I love the ED. I love the pace, the atmosphere, the people. My husband works at the same ED as a nurse and we love working together.

I went to work in the OR at the same hospital. Why? NO BREAKS IN THE ED. The majority of the time, my husband comes home after 12.5 hours with no break for food, much less go to the bathroom. I had NO desire to work under those conditions. It's stressful enough without being forced to go without food, drink or even a potty break. I'm very sad about the situation, because my heart is in the ED, but not at that price. I hope to love the OR.

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Are there any other professions in the United States that encounter this same problem- no lunch, no potty, no drinks for 8-12 hours long? Does anyone know?

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Are there any other professions in the United States that encounter this same problem- no lunch, no potty, no drinks for 8-12 hours long? Does anyone know?

yes walmart and there is a class action suit against them.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I loved working in california, because they had just one nurse to cover for breaks and lunches. long live the CNA

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Specializes in ER.

I don't get a break in my twelve hour shifts. We usually get to eat, but it is at the desk and is usually interrupted. But this really does not bother me. I guess I am just weird?????????? :clown:

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Specializes in CCU/ER.

I agree! In our ER, the smokers seem to get breaks all the time--no matter how insane a night it is! Those very nights are the ones in which I might not even go to the restroom for the first 8-9 hours of my 12 hour shift! Frustrating!

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Well I don't work in an ER, but my boss used to tell me she didn't have to give me a break either. That she wasn't required to do so. Well, I told her that smokers at our facility get THEIR breaks, and we even have some workers who take "walk" breaks. Can you believe that? They actually are able to take the time while AT work to do their daily walks for their health.

And the other day I saw several OFFICE workers riding bicycles around campus. Yes, Ma'am. Walkers and bicyclists, on a STATE job.

Oh, yeah, she's going to give me a break. Most definitely.

Several of em, whenever I want them, in fact.

Right in the middle of med pass if I so desire.

I wouldn't take an extended 30 minute break during med pass, but a bathroom break or if I'm hot/thirsty....oh, yeah, a 10 minute break right in middle of med pass, if I need it.

And to the OP...if I were you I would also question that nurses in other departments get breaks but YOU don't just because you work in the ED?

Get real. You all work for the same company/job.

They can't give nurses in other departments certain benefits and tell you, that you don't qualify for/deserve the same benefits.

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Specializes in 6 years of ER fun, med/surg, blah, blah.

Not having a break, lunch or otherwise gets old after a while. It's a great way to lose weight though, running around not eating for several hours, but makes for a crouchy nurse with low blood sugar who has a hard time concentrating. I frequently bring a slim fast drink or bars to work with me & that helps, also Quaker oatmeal bars stay with you a long time. I can run back & take a quick bathroom break & then run back if need be but it would be heaven to be able to count on taking a break/lunch everyday. I figure I can do this for a while longer, then on to other things where I get to eat like a real person.....:bowingpur

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Where I work if you work 0700-1930 you get one half hour break for lunch. If you work 1100 to 2330 you get 2 scheduled half hour breaks. If you work 1900 to 0700 you do not get a scheduled break but you get to leave 30 minutes earlier. :angryfire

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

dept of labor's wage-hour is where you will find info to support rights.

healthcare link: http://www.dol.gov/esa/healthcare/index.htm

as manager, i need to remind some staff constantly that work will always be there, they need to get up from desk and take 30-45 min lunch.

one nurse always eats at desk, have it in writing that i told her to eat in our kitchen or go to office lunch room as she is set in ways for years in er when no break.

if i know we are short due to sudden illness, will order lunch on me (no food budget) but in return have satisfied staff that overall enjoy their work and minimal fires to put out. severe stress---agency springs for pizza or sandwich wraps with just a word to my boss, the cfo---pays to have friends in high places.

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I get more frustrated at the smokers. If you smoke, don't take too much offense, but I get frustrated at those who make it a priority to go outside to smoke, while others do not get such breaks (or are at least less likely to take them). Hence part of the reason our hospital is going smoke free next year (don't see it happening well, but it's supposed to). :uhoh21:

I have to agree, the other night I was working with 3 nursing staff and an RMO who all smoked and were doing relays outside. I got so p****d off that I took a FRESH AIR break, they thought I was being petty. I just said fairs fair.:nono:

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