what is mandatory overtime exactly?

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Specializes in SRNA.

I've been seeing much discussion concerning mandatory overtime, but I really don't understand what it is. From what I gather, it seems to be the situation where you're done with your shift, but there is nobody available to take over your patients for you so you have to stay at work. Is this right? I'm guessing that you still get paid for this extra time and overtime applies here (at least until Bush gets rid of overtime pay). Have I guessed right, or is there more to the story.

I start my BSN program in March, so I'm still on the outside looking in!

Thanks!

-S

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what is mandatory overtime?

1) being mandated to stay after your scheduled shift is over

2) Being "forced" to do an extra "pre-scheduled" shift

Either way, it's crap, and a theft of your personal time...

Don't put up with it...Check with your state board. Do the first shift of mandation, then QUIT, and express your opinion to all who'll listen...We should NEVER put up w/ it...If you are hired for 3 twelves, do just that. If you do OT, do it on YOUR terms...

Now is the time for nurses to stand up to the madness!!!

sean

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That is it exactly. The other problem is that there is no limit on mandatory overtime if the managers are giving it. It is up to their discretion unless it is stipulated in your hospital's policies.

Right now it may not seem bad to you, becuae you will be getting that extra money. But what happens if you have kids at daycare or coming home after school, and all of a sudden you have mandatory overtime. You then have to make arrangements for the kids, while still trying to get your work completed.

Things like that...................

Good luck with your studies.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Tell ya what....

mandatory OT is what will happen to us all, if Bush and his cronies have their way.

Imagine being told "sorry you can't leave; your replacement called in and there is no one else"....after you worked 12 hours. And your kids are waiting for you to come home.....and you are exhausted, too much so to make sound decisions. Imagine the lack of quality of nursing care rendered by such overwork.

THAT is a quick snapshot of what mandatory OT can be. IT's just ONE example.

It's criminal, really, especially when they don't/wont' pay you accordingly for your time.

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Originally posted by hogan4736

what is mandatory overtime?

Do the first shift of mandation, then QUIT, and express your opinion to all who'll listen...We should NEVER put up w/ it...

sean

Agree 100%

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

"what is mandatory overtime?

1) being mandated to stay after your scheduled shift is over

2) Being "forced" to do an extra "pre-scheduled" shift "

and:

3) being forced to come in on a scheduled day off (either pre-arranged or told at the last minute), regardless of your wishes or other plans, to work one or two shifts.

4) being forced to come in early, to work a shift or part of a shift BEFORE your regularly-scheduled shift (again pre-arranged or else told at the last minute).

What it boils down to is: 1) you have no life of your own and can make no firm plans of your own because: 2) you have to work whenever your employer demands it, whether you are given any notice or not, and your point of view makes NO difference, needless to say, or it wouldn't be called "mandatory."

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One sure fire way to get out of MOT (in my state anywho) is to say you're totally exhausted and cannot jeopardize your patients or your license.

Yes, they can fire you for saying this....(doubtful they will) but if they do you WILL keep your license and the BNE will back you up. It is not abandonment until you accept the report/assignment, and you legally cannot accept the assignment IF you are impaired ie exhausted beyond ability to perform duty safely.

If all nurses would stand up and say no, facilities would hire more nurses or find agencies to cover fast. It's because we are so 'helpful' and wimpy as a group that we can be manipulated like this, IMHO.

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

"If all nurses would stand up and say no, facilities would hire more nurses or find agencies to cover fast. It's because we are so 'helpful' and wimpy as a group that we can be manipulated like this, IMHO"

You got that right!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

When we refuse we have to fill out a paper with the reason. As many of our DH's have said...why should they be late to work because our unit can't staff itself? Not their problem! And I always put childcare...can't argue that!

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Specializes in HIV/AIDS, Dementia, Psych.
Originally posted by NicuGal

When we refuse we have to fill out a paper with the reason. As many of our DH's have said...why should they be late to work because our unit can't staff itself? Not their problem! And I always put childcare...can't argue that!

You have to fill out a paper with a reason?! Sheesh! How about 'Because I've worked my shift and I DON'T WANT TO!' What nerve!

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