Mandatory overtime

[Lydia223344]

Hello everybody,

I am hoping to find out if anybody else knows about the details of "getting mandated" in NY as an RN. I am working at a hospital, hourly and non-union, and RNs get mandated frequently if there is not enough staff, for staffing errors (RNs scheduled on paper schedule but not in electronical staffing system), or if nurses call in. I am aware that under the Labor Law nurses are technically protected from having to work hours beyond what they are scheduled, but the administration justifies this as an "emergency", or they refer to the nursing shortage that counts as a "healthcare disaster.” 
I am thinking about reporting the facility to the Department of Labor, but I worry about retaliation (NY is a fire at will state). I am just really sick and tired of having to work late, or worrying if I will be able to leave after 12 hours.

Any thoughts and ideas of how to handle this are very appreciated!

P.S.: I tried talking with my unit director and supervisors, but it never goes anywhere.

[Davey Do]

I live in Illinois and believe RNs cannot be mandated to work overtime. That's what I was told when I worked the last 17 years of my career when I worked at a medical center.

 However, when I worked at a state hospital in the early 90's, we were regularly mandated. I was young, full of energy and needed the money since I'd just built a new house, so I never pushed the issue.

Now, as far as reporting and retaliation: The medical center where I Iast worked was breaching the Code of Conduct and not following guidelines according to JC, OSHA, and IDPH. It was also misinterpreting state laws and statutes regarding the use of restraints. I followed chain of command within the organization, and when nothing was done, reported to the outside sources as named above.

During this time, I was recognized on at least three different occasions for my nursing and charting abilities. The fourth time, I was recognized with a DAISY award.

One month after receiving the DAISY award, I was terminated on trumped up charges of breaching patient confidentiality.

It would appear that if we rock the boat, administration can make sure we are drowned.

Good luck, Lydia.

 

[Lydia223344]

Hi Davey,

sorry for the late response, I have been doing some soul searching for the past days, and I thought about your experience a lot. It really put things in perspective for me, and I guess I just needed to hear a story like that. 
I'm not ready at this moment to become a whistleblower for the price of getting fired, but I think down the line I will loke for a new employer. Until then I will try my luck getting a doctor's note, I have a very nice PCP who may understand my anxiety, fear for my license (and the safety of my patients as well), and other effects this has on me.

Thank you again for sharing your opinion!