Mandatory overtime?

[ajt575s]

How many of your facilities use mandatory overtime as a staffing solution? My employer staffs us inadequately to begin with, then if there's a call in, we end up getting mandated. This has been happening at least once a week lately, plus people find out they're getting mandated at the last minute. It seems like it happens more and more frequently as I continue to work there. It's very hard on employee morale and unsafe for patients. I'm curious what other nurses' takes are on this topic.

[midwestvintage]

Our floor is always short and they have a hiring freeze. We are being mandated daily to work 12 to 16 hour shifts. It is killing my floor and a lot of nurses have left. Personally 16 hours is too much for me. I worry about my standard of care when I am so tired and then have to be back to work in 6 hours by the time I get home. I used to be so proud of my floor and my hospital, now I can't stand going to work not knowing if I will have to work 4 more hours on top of my 12 hour night shift.