mandated overtime-how much is too much?

[riverwoman74]

I work 12 hour shifts in a LTC facility, where the LPN's and CNA's belong to a Union. In this facility, the RN's are forbidden to join the union (as are RN's in other facilities in this county). We do not receive the same benefits as the Union members, but we are bound by their rules for overtime mandation (at least some of us are). The other evening, we were already scheduled short one nurse, and another called off. Another RN and myself were told we had to stay. The other RN threw a fit, and was allowed to leave, causing an LPN to be mandated for maybe 2 hours, to assist the 3-11 Admission nurse pass meds on the Rehab Unit, while I was mandated to stay over to pass meds to the same 30 residents on the LTC side I had all day (this being the 8 and 10 pm med passes). I was finally able to leave after a total of 16 1/2 hours. I had to be back to work the next day at 7 am. By the time I got home, I got about 3 to 3 1/2 hours sleep. That next day,( by the way I was not late, I never am) I again was responsible for the same 30 residents, plus had a new nurse, who had 27 residents, who I had to help. Got an admission, who was supposed to go to the Rehab side, but due to a burst water pipe, came to me for a FEW hours. There were 3 nurses scheduled for the night shift, which is the MAXIMUM they allow for nights (4 on days, which hardly ever happens).(These numbers are for the entire building, LTC and Rehab units) One called off as she had an auto accident on the way to work. The LPN said she was using her refusal to stay for mandation. The other, new nurse, was not subject to mandation. I called the weekend manager, who had to check with someone else (who happened to be an LPN) and was told, since the LPN had never used her refusal (I've never refused either) I had to stay. It was just too bad that I was mandated the night before for the entire 4 + hours and had only a tiny amount of sleep. Has this ever happened before? I had spoken to another Union, prior to this. They would like to represent the RN'S in our facility, but won't come in with another Union present, and anyway, they want everyone.. I have already decided that I am brushing up my resume, and speaking to the DON when I return to work tomorrow. Any other advice? Thanks

[morte, LPN, LVN]

I would polish the resume up with 0000 grit paper, and real quick.

[jr2915sn]

I would suggest applying to other jobs and leaving that job ASAP! Like you should have left that job yesterday type of fast. I'm not sure if what your employers are doing is even safe for you or your patients. I would advise you to look up the labor laws pertaining your state and county and adhering to these. If your current employer is in violation of these labor laws / federal nursing laws; you should definitely bring it to their attention the next time they "mandate" you to stay.

I've only been mandated to stay at work once and that's because we were in HICS level and a snow storm prevented nurses from coming into the job safely. I was mandated for not only the safety of my patients but myself as well. I think you are only mandated (at least in NY) to stay an entire shift under severe conditions NOT just because people call out of work. They should hire per diem nurses to prevent these issues.

If you need to bring that issue to the attention of higher authorities than you should do so. I know being a "whistle-blower" is not a "good" thing but it's worth your license. In some states, you can make anonymous calls and inquire about the unsafe practices of employers.

Good luck! Better yet, get out of there quick dear. Always CYA (cover your a**).

[ArtClassRN, ADN, RN]

Make a new plan, Stan.