nurses hours

Published

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!

Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

No mandatory overtime over here either. They ask people to pick up, and if they really need someone they'll pay incentive pay (on top of overtime). The more desperate they are, the higher the incentive.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Mandatory overtime was the driving force behind huge answering machine sales back before caller ID and voicemail. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I don't have mandatory overtime; however adding an extra shift or an extra four hours does yield overtime for me-I work 2 12's and 2 8s. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

No mandatory OT here, but $50 bonus added for each 4 hr call time worked on top of the 1.5x pay.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

My state prohibits mandatory overtime unless there's an unforeseeable emergency. However, call hours are exempt from that. Working in cardiothoracic surgery, I haven't worked a single 40 hour or less week since starting. I did know that going in, and the paycheck is definitely worth. My longest shift? 25.5 hours. Came in for my scheduled shift, finished a late-running case, and got called for an emergency while halfway changed in the locker room. Didn't get relieved until staff showed up the next morning for their scheduled shift- fortunately, those of us working all night were sent home because we were scheduled to work that day as well!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow. Just wow. I know the patient appreciated your effort =)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Wow. Just wow. I know the patient appreciated your effort =)

If that's directed at me, unfortunately the patient was unable to appreciate our effort. Made it out of the OR, but essentially was an ongoing, non chaotic code (as in, no compressions but on every drip known to ICU with frequent huge boluses) for several hours until family decided to let him go.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.
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!

It is normal and is not considered overtime in any way. Many nurses work 12 hr shifts. That easily becomes 13 hrs when you factor in report and/or the doo doo hitting the fan at shift change.

Overtime in the United States is defined as > 40 hrs/week. 3 13 hr shifts would be 39 hours and presumably at least some of that is unpaid break time.

Mandatory overtime is when you're not allowed to leave your shift because there isn't anyone to take your assignment. I've never worked anywhere that allowed nurses to work more than 16 hrs in a shift.

My hours are Mon-Fri 9-5:30 but I wouldn't count on getting a gig like that until you have several years of bedside experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Public Health.

If you work corrections there is a lot of mandatory overtime but since most shifts are 8 hours you end up working a 16 here and there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion