nurses hours

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Hey all,

I just saw someone write on another forum that she just finished her 3rd 13 hour shift in a row. Is that mandatory and/or normal? If it's not what is the usual amount for mandatory overtime hours? Or basically could you tell me what your work hours are please?

I guess I'd get used to it but last semester I had a 14 hour day once a week, and I really was cranky and tired by the end and definitely didn't think as well!

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12.5 hours is what my hospital schedules for. 1900 to 0730. So no, 13 hours is not out of the question. This = 39 hours a week, so no overtime comes into play either. Hth.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

12 hour shifts are normal. This turns into 12.5 when you throw in lunch. Add in walking in/walking out time and your pretty much at 13 hours. 14 or so if you throw in commute.

We work 3 12's normally. 36 hours per week yields no overtime even if you stay a little late every day.

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Thank you! So mandatory overtime means more than 12-13 hours?

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Overtime, here at least, is hours worked >40. With 3 shifts you won't be hitting that most likely. If you are wanting ot, there is usually ample opportunity for it :)

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In my state, the labor laws provide a 2nd 30 minute meal period for shifts over 8 hours. That puts your standard 12 hour shift at 13 hours (including the 2 meal breaks). The majority of staff on my unit choose to waive the 2nd lunch break so we can go home at 12.5 hours with only 1 meal break. Perhaps that is what the other person meant by 13 hour shift.

As for overtime, it's illegal to require mandatory overtime in my state. Voluntary overtime can be a few minutes to many hours. Typical overtime requests by management can include 16 or 20 hour shifts...yeah that means you're very tired 😴😴😴😴!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Mandatory overtime is a term that refers to being told by your manager that you must involuntarily work an overtime shift on a day you would have had off. Or that you must stay after your regularly scheduled shift has ended because the person who was to take your assignment did not show up. 12+ hour shifts don't usually attract overtime pay unless there are more of them in a pay period than would be considered full time.

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For the record, I have never worked mandatory overtime. Is this a thing? Lol I'd have a real problem with being told I HAVE to come in. Not that I answer my phone on days off, but if they could get ahold of me.

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For the record, I have never worked mandatory overtime. Is this a thing? Lol I'd have a real problem with being told I HAVE to come in. Not that I answer my phone on days off, but if they could get ahold of me.

It was my understanding that most US states allow mandatory overtime. I know off hand that NY doesn't but NJ (my state) does.

Thanks again all for the answers.

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Specializes in ICU.

I just finished my seventh and back for #8 tonight. Not mandatory but the unit would be SOL if people weren't picking up extra right now.

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Specializes in Public Health.

Maybe I'm crazy but if my job started with mandatory overtime I would quit. No questions asked.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

We got stuck with mandatory OT this winter for the first time in my 30+ years. Because voluntary wasn't getting us the nurses we needed and an unprecedented influenza and RSV outbreak kept us full for 4+ months. We traded off being on diversion with the other children's hospital in town for that entire time. Not cool. But necessary, and they tried really, really hard to get us off those mandated shifts if possible.

It sucked.

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