24-hour shift?

Published

I'm faced with a possible dilemma... I have two jobs, and once a week I work shifts back-to-back- days at one job and evenings at the other. The problem is, lately we have no on-call nurses for Job #2 and there is only one nurse at the facility per shift. So if the night nurse calls in, and nobody will agree to replace me, I have to stay for the night or be faced with an abandonment charge. However, I don't think it's at all safe to work for 24 hours straight!

They're working on getting on-call nurses, and I'm the only one who works 16-hour shifts, so I'm the only one with this problem. What should I do if this arises? Somebody told me once about a number you could call, and Washington state would sent out a nurse, but it seems like an urban legend to me...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not only is it not safe, I think it's illegal in most states.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Don't overwork yourself. Take care :balloons:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

Is it possible for you to quit one of your jobs? Working a 24 hour shift isn't safe, and you could risk losing your license if something happens...

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion