My one big issue

[Emergent]

I can handle a heavy workload, but you know what? If some how management, the unit culture, the workload, the staffing ratios, cannot allow for a 15 minute break every 4 hrs, and a half hour break for lunch, then something is seriously wrong.

I don't care if you give them to me all at once. And I don't want to be paid time and a half for missing them. I WANT MY BREAKS!

I hear griping, I hear the union proclaiming how they are looking out for us, I hear management with all their goals, but if the union is too ineffective to make sure I get a break, what good are they? If my co-workers, the charge nurse, the management of the hospital doesn't value my rest period, THAT ALL THE EVIDENCE BASED INFORMATION says make me a better, healthier nurse, the what's going on here?

I'm sick of this attitude. Even McDonalds gives their workers breaks.

[Nola009]

You are right. It just seems like there is always something... always something.

[Dranger]

I miss lunches sometimes because I am constantly on my toes, with calls, charting and meds. Sometimes I say screw it and go into the breakdown for a 15 because Mr. Smith's Dilaudid can wait while he and his buddies laugh, cheer and joke about the NBA playoff game. Sorry not sorry.

[melosa08]

If you want an uninterrupted lunch or even any break at all for that matter, you are in the wrong field. I am super jealous of people who get an actual lunch break and small breaks in between.

Yes!!! One of my non-nursing friend has an office type job and she told me she takes a 1-1&1/2 hour lunch break. My jaw literally dropped.

[Asystole RN]

Yes!!! One of my non-nursing friend has an office type job and she told me she takes a 1-1&1/2 hour lunch break. My jaw literally dropped.

My wife who is a registered nurse who works an office job and takes a 1 hour lunch and two 15s.

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

I work on a busy surgical unit and have always, always taken my breaks and lunches. I've never missed one. We make it a priority on my floor to cover for each other and make sure everyone goes. I can't imagine not taking a break, and I think it's a big issue if you aren't. I need that time during the day to regroup, or during the night to catch a nap!

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

Oh, and we take one 30 minute break in the morning on days and an hour lunch. On nights we switch off for 2 hour sleeping breaks.

[HappyWife77, BSN, RN]

To get a lunch break is great....we never even see the 15 minute breaks though

.....or really even try to take them.

[nightbreak]

I believe in this: everyone is legally entitled to rest and meal periods.

I believe in this: rest and meal periods should include complete relief from patient care duties.

I believe in this: patient safety is increased when staff is well-rested and fed.

I believe in this: nurses are not martyrs, they are educated professionals.

I believe in this: break nurses for everyone!!!

[Dranger]

Oh, and we take one 30 minute break in the morning on days and an hour lunch. On nights we switch off for 2 hour sleeping breaks.

Your hospital must not be busy at all or you are in LTC/govt. no way that would happen in critical care

[beckyboo1, BSN, RN]

Your hospital must not be busy at all or you are in LTC/govt. no way that would happen in critical care

She's not in the United States. I've noticed other posts over the years from overseas that nurses were given sleeping breaks on night shift.

[Racer15, BSN, RN]

If I want a lunch break, I take it. I used to not be such a butt about breaks but my facility now requires that we fill out a form in order to get compensated for lost lunches. Part of it requires us to sign acknowledging that we are aware we are legally required breaks but opted to forgo them. My freaking ass! I have never skipped lunch just cuz. We are generally so short staffed and so busy that actual breaks aren't possible. But because of the stupid paperwork I've gotten to the point where I take a 30 no matter what and anyone that has issue with it can complain to the department of labor.

[mitral]

Is it truly a legal issue? We're permitted a 30 minute lunch and 2 15 minute breaks. However, I have never taken a break, and often (3 out of 4) my lunches are only 15 minutes. When they are the full 30, I have to answer a minimum of 2 calls, and often come back to take report or answer a dr.s questions then run back to break room to finish lunch. Once I didn't get a lunch at all, and I wrote it in the books so I'd get paid for it. That was big no-no, me and my charge both got reprimanded for that. I'd love to know I have legal support, because if so, I will happily insist on that time!!