My facility requires nurses to sign up for overtime slots that cannot be filled through regular staffing. We just had two people quit on my unit, and 3 more will be on maternity leave very soon, pretty much all at the same time. In other words, the OT to sign up for goes up proportionately. One can only imagine that on an 11 bed CVSU, the OT required to work is heavy with all these factors considered. Our 1st OT slots to sign up for are called "Additional Hours." Then when somebody quits, they come out with more slots called "Additional Additional Hours." Then if somebody breaks their leg and can't work for awhile, they call the OT "Additional Additional Additional Hours." Am I crazy, or is this ludicrous?
I just wanted to know how other facilities are fulfilling their OT requirements? I realize some faclities are not required to do OT due to Unionization, contracts, etc. We have gotten more hours from our PRN dept to help us out with the increased amount of hours we are doing, but it really isn't enough in the long run. Between me taking two graduate classes this semester, and working full time, plus having to do all the overtime, and spend time with the family before school starts full time, I'm wondering if I can do it all. I've considered taking a travelling position, but this would require a big move and I don't want to be labeled a trader like the past two who have quit.
What are other faclities doing besides utilizing PRN staff to decrease the amount of OT hours worked? My supervisor also claims she cannot hire anybody at this point, because there is nobody to hire. I am not too sure about that one.
