mandatory break time

sjoe · Aug 20, 2003

"where i work @ the nursing supervisor seems to care less whether her staff takes a break or not.. and when you do request coverage to take a 10 minute break, you alot of static ..."

In California, where you work, you are entitled by law to two-15 minute breaks per 8 hour shift in addition to your meal break. Some unions have more specific arrangements. What does your union have to say about it? Oh, you don't have a union? Maybe it's time to get one going.

However, so long as you submit to other people who might be "upset" otherwise, and work FOR FREE during these breaks, they have no reason to recognize this right of yours. (This is the same dynamic used to control battered spouses and partners, by the way.)

In this case, as in EVERY case:

Noney · Aug 20, 2003

Don't ask for coverage. Tell the supervisor "I plan to take my break at such and such time. Who will be covering for me?"

Of course, it sounds good on here. I know it's sometimes hard face to face.

N.

WhiteCaps · Aug 20, 2003

Breaks??? What's that!?!?! Too funny!!!

I'm lucky to get one 15-30min lunch on the floor (jumping up to answer lights in between) in a 12 hr shift (which usually ends up being a 13-14hr day).

Usually it is so busy it is just easier to keep going and not bother with breaks. My own fault sometimes, I suppose. But it would just put me more behind to leave for a break.

Bathroom breaks? I had to visit the urologist before I figured out I couldn't hold it forever without consequences! :imbar

angelbear · Aug 20, 2003

I had a nonsmoking coworker tell me once that she never left her area and didnt think smokers should either. My response then and now is : I have yet to meet a smoker who is not more than willing to cover for others to take breaks. If your not leaving your area to get your breaks that in my opinion would be your own fault. That or you work with some pretty lazy nasty nurses and it is up to you to do something about them.

Rapheal · Aug 20, 2003

I am a nonsmoker. 2 of the LPN's I work team with smoke and will take a couple 5 minutes breaks during a shift. They are the hardest workers and do not usually take a lunch (nor do I).

I had one RN make a smart comment to me about one of them going for a smoke break (I guess she thought I would agree with her). I was so annoyed because this RN is so lazy and slow that I have little respect for her.

None of us get our lunches and few take breaks. So if a smoker can manage to take a couple of 5 minutes breaks during a 12 hour shift- I say more power to them. I need to get more assertive and take a few 5 minute H20 and potty breaks.

flashpoint · Aug 20, 2003

I haven't taken a break in the past two weeks. We have an average census of 9 patients and for the past two weeks, we've had over 25. I'm getting tons of overtime since I am picking up extra shifts and since no one is going to luch, we're all picking up a little extra there too. I would really like to see the managers come out of their offices and relieve us for lunch, but since they don't, I'm just thinking of all the extra money I am making. Taking vacation starting tomorrow, so I'll have plenty of time to rest. :-)

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 20, 2003

I had in over six years in the hospital maybe 10 lunch breaks. NO one got one.

renerian

tonchitoRN · Aug 20, 2003

you have no reason to feel guilty to take a break. in fact you owe it to yourself. those who do not take a break will either burn out or get sick. i let the secty know ahead of time not to call me when i am on break (unless true emergency). the person who took over my pts. is responsible when i am not on the floor. btw, one secty called me on my break for something non emergency. when he went on break i called him twice for dumb things. then i told him "now you know how it feels".

i love the saying "they will only dish out enough crap as you are willing to take" (or something like that).

so take your break or do not feel guilty.

healingtouchRN · Aug 20, 2003

you might say shame on me but when I have come back from a longer than usual potty break & find my pt out of bed with IV's out & my staff with no clue that the bed exit alarm is that noise going off.....you'll see what I mean. Most of my staff has barely been out of school a year & the others are travelers........nuff said. I just don't trust them.

berry · Aug 20, 2003

Quit whining! You guys are f'ning idiots nobody is going to look out for your best interest but you. I am going to pee if I need too, and going to at least grab a sandwich on the go. If nobody will watch you, pts go sit and eat if they call you for something unless they are dying finish up your lunch most things can wait 5-10 minutes. I work in a busy ER we are short staffed a lot days most days we have 6-7 rns one is charge and one is in triage meaning 4-5 rns taking pt and most days we see 75-100+ pt on our 12 hour shift. That is multiple assessments every pt an Iv start on 95%, fluids mediations, casting and splints, sutures and dressing. Pts coming in with acute MIs and being rushed to cath lab, codes and any pt being admitted to an ICU bed has to have an RN transport them. In the ER, we are not afforded the luxury of many of the policies that most floors i.e. I might have 4-5 pt and titrating gtts that floors other than ICU will not touch. We all eat lunch everyday and if we don't get a full 30 minutes we sign the list and have it credited back into are pay. People we treat you as bad as you let them. If nobody will watch your pts sit down each your lunch if none of your pts are dying they can do without you while you eat. I do not mean to come off so harsh but wake up. I cant stand all the whining do something proactive make YOUR life better for YOU.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Aug 20, 2003

I've been a nurse for over 25 years, and I learned early that there isn't much that can't wait 15 minutes for you to take your well-earned break. Nor is there much that can't wait 30 minutes for you to eat lunch. Over the past 25 years I've almost always gotten lunch and usually gotten to take a 15 minute break as well. I plan for it.

Early in the shift, I talk to my immediate co-workers (I work in a 22 bed ICU) about breaks. There are always "spoilers" -- that trip to CT right at lunch time, the LOL who codes just as you're digging your coffee money out of your bag -- but for the most part, if you plan it into your day you'll get a break. It may mean that some of your meds are given 15 minutes late -- no biggie. It may mean that you don't have all your charting caught up to the exact moment you leave on break. It'll still be there when you get back. That unit of packed cells you sent for 20 minutes ago still hasn't arrived -- you can hang it when you get back.

It amazes me that some of the folks that complain the most about "never having time to take a break" aren't willing to plan one into their day. They always have time to complain about not having breaks, though. They always seem to have time to chat with their cc-workers about how busy they are, too!

As a charge nurse, I'm always willing to cover breaks for someone who absolutely cannot get one any other way. But I think folks need to take responsibility for trying to plan their own mealtime and break time coverage with their neighbors. I absolutely cannot send 15 nurses to a 30 minute lunch each! I'm more willing to cover a lunch for someone who's planned lunch coverage went by the by when a physician decided to float a swan RIGHT NOW than for someone who hasn't bothered to even ask anyone else for coverage. Most patients (not all, but most) understand that their nurses need lunch too, and if you explain it to them are willing to group their requests and hold off on using the call light while you're on break. Most physicians understand that as well.

Irwin0111 · Aug 20, 2003

if you believe in politics at work. try practicing it right away. it will help you to a very big advantage. Or if not, how does your Heads make their way for a break? dig in with them. At ER where I work i used to asked permission from the patient themselves they will always understand and they themselves offer explanations to those who just came in through those doors and given the right approached, honest and sincere attention to their need they might even offer food treat for you and your supervisor.

irvin