being mandated

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2009

I have worked at several facilities, and never once have I been mandated to work an extra shift. I usually agree to work an extra shift. If I don't want to work a shift that needs to be staffed, our staffing coordinators will usually find a nurse who would like to pick up some extra hours, or a PRN nurse who wants to work it, or agency as a last resort.

Mandated extra shifts are not a wise method for retaining employees. Why work at a place where they're "forcing" you to stay or return to work when other places don't engage in such shady practices?

Jules A, MSN · Mar 3, 2009

We can be mandated to stay but I've never thought about being mandated to come in! Its kind of a given at my job that if someone doesn't show up you will stay even if just long enough for them to find a replacement. I don't have a problem with that but can't imagine being called on my day off unless they were asking not telling me to work.

rn/writer, RN · Mar 3, 2009

I have never heard of state regs that require LTC staff (I'm assuming you work LTC) to babysit residents who have been admitted to a hospital. This seems an incredible burden on the remaining staff (as your situation demonstrates) and a foolish use of resources, especially in light of the fact the the patients are being transferred to a more acute level of care.

momtojosh · Mar 3, 2009

i dont work in LTC....i work in a house with 12 medically frail mentally retarded individuals......it is a state law on their behalf to have an advocate there since they can not talk for themselves.....when i say medically frail..i mean it.....this house is the last stop before they pass......and i do think it still strange they do need someone there at their bedside while in a hospital acute setting.....but alot of the staff at the hospital are not familar with g-tube feedings,or are not comfortable doing trach care.....let alone know what to do if the g-tubes get plugged,or they(resident) happen to pull the whole tube out and it has to be replaced....they sort of rely on us to walk them thru....and they are the first to admit they do not see alot of this and lack the skills in the area...

at our local hospital they have mandates too.....i hear they want to do away with it here in NYS.......

at our house we have 5 LPNs that work per shift....we can go down to 4 2 times a week.....and when we have 2 in the hospital the supervisors or head of shifts are scrambling to find coverage for the one(s) in the hospital or at our house....they call the other IRA houses for people who want the extra or over time....plus the per diems......i for one only want 20 hrs but will help out in a pinch and when i can.....it is stressfull to say the least....

i agree with you commuter.....it is not a wise method to retain

employees....people are stressed and burnt out.....

Fiona59 · Mar 4, 2009

You did get OT pay rates?!

We are paid double time if we have less than 15 hours between shifts. And yes, I've been told that I have to work due to shortages of staff.

rn/writer, RN · Mar 4, 2009

Thanks, momtojosh, for explaining the situation.

Not sure if this is an option, but perhaps it would be a good thing to have a couple of prn staff members on tap to either to do the hospital monitoring or just to fill in on those shifts that are short. Stretching regular staff to the breaking point benefits no one. And paying overtime has to be more expensive than having back-up folks work periodically.

The question for management to consider is what happens if we overtax our staff members to the point that they start quitting?

Surely, it would be more cost effective and better for the staff, the patients and the facility itself to train a couple of prn part-timers to be with these medically fragile folks in an acute care setting, thus freeing up the regular nurses to work their normal schedule and not burn out.

momtojosh · Mar 5, 2009

miranda...i agree with you......the people who are in management make me wonder....now...i am new....just graduated in june.....een a stay at home mom for 20yrs......but i can see ill management when i see it.....i guess the seasoned staff have mentioned what you have said to management but to no avail.....this house has gained to good workers since july.....me and another girl my age...(40's).......and some not so good workers....just there for the pay....which saddens me to no end......i chose this house cause i love working with these kind if people.......and i give it my all and i truly care about all 12....i dont have to work...i choose to.....not sure i know how to go about being heard if the older staff have tried already........its a funny thing.....the floor workers do not like the office workers......it is so very petty.....me...i get along with all.....

we have 2 prn but they also fill in at 2-4 other houses......the state needs to hire more prn for this type of situation.....

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2009

You did get OT pay rates?!
We are paid double time if we have less than 15 hours between shifts. And yes, I've been told that I have to work due to shortages of staff.

Wow- are you in a union?

I work 12-15 hrs shifts back to back- and I just get my regular pay.

momtojosh · Mar 5, 2009

my postion is only 20 hrs(which i signed on for,dont want full time yet)....so no i dont get overtime.....

i did call the state office and yes...they can mandate you to come back in.....after they have called all the prns and other parttimers first...then they go to full timers....and when no one volunteers,they mandate....

it stinks at times.......

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Mar 5, 2009

A good reason to have caller ID, or to not answer your phone.

momtojosh · Mar 5, 2009

oh canoehead i do that too..hehe.......its just i was was working my reg 7-3 shift is when they mandated me to come back for a midnight...AAHHHH......

ya gotta love caller id and answering machines!!