OT How much is too much?

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Oct 22, 2004

That's a lot of freaking overtime. Are they calling her in? I work with 2 nurses in particular that do that. One works 0700 to 1930, and she rarely clocks out before 2130. She says her floor is sooooooo much work, but every other nurse that works there clocks out when they're supposed to. Everytime I get pulled over there, I'm LOOKING for things to do. The other nurse works 1900 to 0730, and she's usually there until 0930. She dawdles, passes some meds, yells at some aides, etc. Apparently, the administration doesn't mind the decreased profit sharing.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2004

Nope...they schedule her to do this. Some times she will pick up the 11-7 if there is a call off and everyone refuses to stay or be mandated. What I don't understand is how someone can do this on only 3-4 hrs sleep every night. And like I said...is this really legal. I'm sure the state would love to look at this.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2004

well, I wouldn't worry about it too much, as her health will break sooner or later and she won't be able to work at all.

In our facility a nurse is allowed to work overtime IF other nurses are refusing the overtime. What happens is that nurses refuse to float off their home unit. The more flexible nurse can rack up OT quickly.

Bekahlynn · Oct 22, 2004

at my hospital all "caregivers" (nurses, techs, etc) are not allowed to work more than 60 hrs per week, and no more than 12 hours per 24 hours, except in "critical need" situations. I don't know how one could work more than 60 a week without burning out quickly.

lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN · Oct 23, 2004

I worked 21 out of 24 hours once. It sucked. I will never ever ever do that again.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Oct 23, 2004

There are studies that show the relationship between nurses working over 12h/day to the amount of medical errors.

Frankly I don't WANT the OT. 40/1 or 80/2 is more that sufficient for my poor brain and body.

What's going to happen when that nurse makes the BIG error? Is it her excuse "They let me do it." Or perhaps the Hospital "We allowed her free choice." Unfortunately the OT's are the ones who get the warm fuzzies from the bosses. The rest of us are just "selfish."

CHATSDALE · Oct 23, 2004

we have had several nurses who worked doubles, worked 7 days a week...and really pushed themselves...i think that one of them was on upppers, one of the others collapsed had to call ambulance to haul her away

but the powers that be loved them while they lasted...it was good to be able to hve someone who couldn't say no one the phone

don't know about the leagality of the situation...at one time i thought it was 16 out 24 but i have seen that and more so i guess that it isn't that way anymore

boulergirl, CNA · Oct 26, 2004

The OT issue is exactly why I've gotten more vocal--and learned to let the answering machine do its job.

I used to cave in every time I was asked to come in on my days off. Now I say "yes" ONLY if I feel up to it and want the extra income. Otherwise, I tell them "no". If they don't like it, tough.

I have to be careful about OT because in the past I have broken down from exhaustion--in front of loved ones. It's not fun, not pretty and certainly not healthy. Not to mention I have a LIFE outside of work. Sometimes my co-workers forget this.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2004

The OT issue is exactly why I've gotten more vocal--and learned to let the answering machine do its job.
I used to cave in every time I was asked to come in on my days off. Now I say "yes" ONLY if I feel up to it and want the extra income. Otherwise, I tell them "no". If they don't like it, tough.
I have to be careful about OT because in the past I have broken down from exhaustion--in front of loved ones. It's not fun, not pretty and certainly not healthy. Not to mention I have a LIFE outside of work. Sometimes my co-workers forget this.

Good for you! No is a perfectly good word to utter sometime!! We keep trying to tell her to say no. I begged her to take time off when her mom was getting brain surgery. Yep I had to. I understand needing money, but she has a perfectly good for nothing husband at home who could get a job. This girl also has to walk a few miles home after work..if he doesnt' get up to pick her up. What is frustrating is that she does miss some things at work...charting is a big one. But this is okay by admin. Very frustrating so see this person...but she is an adult and makes her own decisions.