Extended hours at work with no time off

[btrfly76]

We are RNs working in a busy PACU. Since our census has been so high we are routinely working 16 hour shifts with only half an hour lunch break around noon. Lately, we have had no beds so we have been forced to stay overnight working 22 to 24 hours straight. We are getting tired and frustrated.What is the actual Labor Law for Florida, Anyone know? HELP!

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

What would they do if you just said no? Fire you? No great loss there.

[directcare4me]

It IS outrageous. Time to work for serious change.

It's not only outrageous, it's not safe. We have laws now that forbid medical residents from working more than a certain number of hours per week; I wonder if someone couldn't use that law in some way to force change, or at least make a public issue out of it.

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

I was going to say with all the hospitals in Florida that I have looked at needing nurses ones best option is to speak with their feet. I personally would be out of there. Course I would make sure I document everything well if on the rare instance you couldnt find a new job and have to claim unemployment.

rj:rolleyes:

[fergus51]

Why isn't the hospital transferring patients out and limiting the number of non-emergent admissions?

[directcare4me]

Why isn't the hospital transferring patients out and limiting the number of non-emergent admissions?

Three guesses, first two don't count: money.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

Address this with the state BON, federal officials, and state elected officials. I would alert the media of unsafe conditions at this facility by nurses being worked such long hours.

[lmz]

Can't you file a hostile workplace suit? I know here in Alaska, this is one way of getting admin off their butts with longterm problems. I'm not sure of the definition of hostile, but this is at least dangerous. Geeze, good luck with this.