No Overtime

[ms_vee]

The rehab facility I worked in now just came up with a No overtime rule, otherwise you'll get a write up. So when you have 22-33 patients and you're struggling to finish everything within 8 hrs, is it right to clock out and go back in to finish the work, or clock out and leave all the unfinished work? I'm a new LPN and this is my first job, I'm trying my best to like this facility and job, but today, I really felt discouraged. I had 33 patients today, and I was struggling to finish all the tasks at hand. By the end of 8hrs, I was told to clock out. I did and then went back to work to finish everything.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I agree with what others are saying about clocking out and leaving. However, just keep in mind when charting to prioritize your charting. There are some things that are not better left until the next day/shift so just keep that in mind.

True, however this shouldn't be an issue for the OP since the facility is required to pay staff for their time.

OP as the others have said, the facility's "rule" is prohibited by the federal Dept of Labor. It is NOT optional -- they can either change the "rule" of their own volition, or they can be compelled by the government to change it. I'm guessing that changing the rule themselves is a much better option than dealing with the legal consequences.

Fact Sheet - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) - U.S. Department of Labor

Licensed practical nurses and other similar health care employees, however, generally do not qualify as exempt learned professionals, regardless of work experience and training, because possession of a specialized advanced academic degree is not a standard prerequisite for entry into such occupations, and are entitled to overtime pay.[/Quote] (this applies to RNs who are hourly paid as well -- this was just the first result that turned up, and it was contrasting the LPN law with the salaried RN law.)

[Tippyrn]

All good advice above, if this can't be worked out, I would go somewhere else and work, I have worked in long term care were they understand and pay overtime. There has got to be better places for you too.

[Lesa37]

You should stay on the clock and work that's their way to save the company money and dont wanna pay a over worked nurse.

[she244]

Had this happen at an previous employer where I had to write a letter to the Director to explain my overtime. So I contacted the Board of Nursing and asked them. I was told that no you do not work while off the clock. So now if I have to do anything related to Nursing then I am on the clock. My Director was unable to go against what the Broad of Nursing said.

[marylou5]

I worked Rehab at one time and the mantra was always ..No Overtime!

I did not go off the clock if I was not finished. I sat there and finished my work. I did not leave it for the next shift!!!

I concentrated on patient care, RX, Meds, getting MD orders,admitting and discharging pts and left routine paper and charting for last, so I had to do it, myself.

You should not be on the floor if you are not on the clock!

I had 35 pts....one RN (skilled Rehab Floor)..and I was required to "do it all". It's not possible!

Admin. knew that...as they had two nurses on my floor, and three on the second, plus an Admin, a Director of Nsg, Asst Director of Nsg, and a Nsg. Supervisor during the week plus office help, receptionist etc.

I was the only RN on my floor (in the bldg) every weekend and covered new IVs, deaths etc for the one LPN on the other floor for things she was not legally allowed to perform.

I got frequent notes to clock out on time. I ignored them or sent notes back, not to pay me if no overtime was their policy!! I never argued..just did my thing, my way!

They huffed and they puffed, but always paid me and never fired me (five years) because they were wrong and they absolutely knew it!

I didn't clock out for lunch break (another of their pet peeves) because working alone, I'd be accused of abandoning my pts if I clocked out,

and left the floor unattended. I didn't have time anyway.

It's all bluster..don't clock out...finish your work and clock out when you leave the building.

It's illegal and not in the best interest of your license.... to do what they suggest!

If you are a competent nurse, they won't fire you ;-) They know they are asking for the impossible! Check the labor laws in your state.

PS. My facility instigated 12 hr shifts, paid me time and a half to avoid the exorbitant cost of hiring agency nurses... and they were still ahead!

You can 'do it all' on 12 hr shifts because there is the slower time from 3-7 PM to get caught up..so you can leave on time ;-)

[mar1ama, BSN]

I believe that it is a hippa violation to access any patient's chart and information if you do not have a working relationship to that patient and not on the clock. You are not suppose to be in any of their medical records/information. If you are not still on company's time doing official business, do not violate hippa. Plus if worse case scenario you get hurt while off the clock, you are on your own. I say start looking for a new job.

[JinnSchlajfertig]

It's illegal to ask someone to work for free. I would do what a previous poster did and download the relevant labor laws. Also call the state nursing commission. I'm sure they'd have something to say. This is just a way to squeeze just a little more out of their hard-working employees. They're playing upon your insecurities as a new LPN in a very difficult unit. Trying to punish hard-working, conscientious employees is abusive. Obviously they don't have your patients or your own best interest in mind. Do you think you will have their support if something goes awry (which is more likely because you are overworked and have the added stress of a write-up now). I would start looking for a new job.

[dec2007]

Good answers from all the above posters. After 25 years I'm no longer patient... I'd just make a report to the Labor Relations Board now and save yourself the frustration. Good luck OP!

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

Continuing to work while clocked out is a big no-no, and something that can definitely get you fired, if your employer finds out. Also, charting while off the clock is generally something that you do not want to do, in case your charting is ever brought up in court.

Nursing is a 24/7 operation. Complete what you can during your 8 hours and pass the rest on to the next shift.

[pinoy27]

Lol this is common for skilled nursing facilities. It's the same rule to the facility i'm working at right now. lol

[Glycerine82, LPN]

My workplace tried this. I do my very best to leave on time, but If I am behind I absolutely stay clocked in. If they want me to leave on time they need to give me more help.