Mandatory OT

jodyangel, RN · Sep 17, 2013

No they're not requiring me to stay past 12 hrs.. They require we sign up for 24 hrs over our regular time. Not a union and yes I believe it's gone on for quite some time..

I can't leave. I signed a contract because of a sign on bonus. I just want to know if it's legal in NC

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2013

unfortunately...in North Carolina there are no OT laws only that they must pay you for hours worked over 40 hours at time and a half......http://www.ncbon.com/myfiles/downloads/position-statements-decision-trees/staffing-and-patient-safety.pdf and a position statement that they don't agree with mandatory OT....http://www.ncbon.com/myfiles/downloads/position-statements-decision-trees/nursing-work-environments.pdf

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2013

Are you a union facility? If so, what does your contract say about mandatory overtime?
It always surprises me that facilities are willing to pay overtime pay for mandatory overtime hours when in fact they could hire more staff and not pay out as much...

Not true.....hiring another person, or two, with benefits......is more expensive than paying a present employee the OT.

lub dub · Sep 18, 2013

Are you a union faciity? If so, what does your contract say about mandatory overtime?
It always surprises me that facilities are willing to pay overtime pay for mandatory overtime hours when in fact they could hire more staff and not pay out as much...

I'm not a fan of mandatory OT, but I want to play devil's advocate for a moment. It is less costly to pay OT wages than to orient a new hire & pay their benefits. Just sayin...

jodyangel, RN · Sep 18, 2013

My point tho....what if I don't want to work more than the shifts I was hired for. I personally like doing my 36 hrs and then done!

I wouldn't mind working OT if I could do so volentarily..

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2013

My point tho....what if I don't want to work more than the shifts I was hired for. I personally like doing my 36 hrs and then done!
I wouldn't mind working OT if I could do so volentarily..

That is why it is called Mandatory....they are telling you that this is a condition of employment...and in North Carolina as far as I can tell...perfectly legal. Some states have passed legislation that prohibits mandatory OT except in extraordinary circumstances and not a part of staffing pattens. Call your BON and ask for sure.

You can try to have a dialog with your employer and ask if you can decrease your "mandatory OT" but they can also decide that they need to find another employee who will comply with the company "policy" or customary operating procedure. Or you can begin to seek another employer.

What they are doing may not be ethical but in North Carolina it appears to be legal.

Howardhughes, ASN, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2013

Esme 12 is 100% correct for Civilian hospitals in NC..its a "Right to work state". As my post stated before Federal is governed by contract..yes they twist arms...but if you push it the union will back you up if its not a national or state emergency . I did have ( Please/strongly advised/ work out something) to pull OT with call outs...but it was rare.

jodyangel, RN · Sep 24, 2013

What states Aren't right to work states lol...

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Sep 25, 2013

What states Aren't right to work states lol...

Not many it seems. Good thing they are doing away with those " greedy no good unions ". Pretty soon we will be working for minimum wage for 60+ hrs a week. Mandatory OT stinks, especially if you are told last minute you have to stay.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Sep 25, 2013

In Texas mandatory OT is illegal, but if you are SCHEDULED then that is another story. However, the law was not intended to replace poor staffing plans. Sounds to me like this facility is just scheduling OT to avoid hiring staff.