Mandatory overtime. Yuck!!!

[CountryGirl1]

I have a question for more experienced nurses. I'm a relatively new nurse a little over a year. The other day while on shift, a nurse manager informed me of the possiblity of having to work an additional mandatory (double) shift later that night due to staffing shortage. Needless to say I refused. And was told that I had to work. While I have no problems working when there is an actual emergency (bad weather, terrorist attacks) etc, I do have problems having to work double (full 16 hour) shifts when there is not a true emergency. Our facility is notorious for having poor staffing, techs routinely having to work weekly multiple shifts. I have worked in facilities before and I am not used to having to work and take on additional patients barring an actual emergency. What are my rights in this situation? I work in a state that has laws limiting mandatory overtime for nurses.

[mvanz9999, RN]

I cannot speak about what is legal or what you should do, BUT I applaud you standing up for yourself. I say HURRAH!

[ITsurvivor06]

i think that really stinks. especially if you normally work 2nd shift and are suddenly called upon to stay awake all night when you are not accustomed to it? isn't that putting the residents at risk? shame on them:nono: . you are right to say no, and if they tell you you "have to" work, i would definitely point out the risks to the residents and of course the potential liability the facility would face if something went wrong--not to mention your own license being on the line.

no, no and no!

[skittlebear]

i think that really stinks. especially if you normally work 2nd shift and are suddenly called upon to stay awake all night when you are not accustomed to it? isn't that putting the residents at risk? shame on them:nono: . you are right to say no, and if they tell you you "have to" work, i would definitely point out the risks to the residents and of course the potential liability the facility would face if something went wrong--not to mention your own license being on the line.

no, no and no!

well said!!!

[dansamy]

If they go pick up my kids, feed them dinner and make sure their homework and baths are done, sure. Otherwise, I need to go.

[Ubernurse]

:redbeathe Now is there actual manditory overtime? I've heard of it, but I wonder if my hospital has it. Staffing usually asks if there are volunteers for people to stay over and your 24hrs, but they don't make us. I hope nursing starts picking up. This staffing shortage and out of compliance ratios are discouraging to me right now.:redbeathe

[Warpster]

You bet there's mandatory overtime. It is always at management's convenience, not yours. The hospitals around here mandate at least one overtime (12 hour) shift per 2 week pay periods. They tell new hires that they'll only have to work if there's short staffing, but there's always short staffing.

That's why I aint there no mo'.

[Ubernurse]

:redbeatheI feel in a way that mandatory overtime should be against the law. I mean aren't there labor laws from abck in the day when child workers were working 80hrs a week making a dime a day? :redbeathe

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

No way, once you cave they will get you again, and again.

[aviator411, RN]

Outstanding CountryGirl!!

Remember, "A failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part!"

We need more like you!

[burn out]

I work in a state that lawmakers have banned mandatory overtime for nurses and people in the medical fields. If your state has these laws like mine, I would check with the Labor Board and find out for sure and report your manager if they continue.

[angel337, MSN, RN]

If they go pick up my kids, feed them dinner and make sure their homework and baths are done, sure. Otherwise, I need to go.

exactly. family oblgations will always come before my job.