Question about Mandated OT

[BabyRN2Be]

I've been wondering this for a while. I've always heard about the problem of mandated OT in nursing. My question is this: if you come in and work a 12 hour shift, and the NM mandates OT, are you forced to worked another 12 hours making your total time working for one day a straight 24 hours? Or does this give the NM time to find someone else time to come in?

I've been wondering this for a while. If someone could please explain how this works, I'd appreciate it!

[mamason]

I don't believe it should be mandatory for RN''s to work overtime. But, unfortunatley it is required at some facilities in this country. Could you check with your state's BON to see what type of rules apply to this issue. I'm sure there are guide lines that facilities, who require mandatory OT, must follow to enure safety? :wink2:

[banditrn]

The hospital where I worked tried it for awhile, but it didn't last - I think the union may have gotten involved.

I wouldn't do it. Altho I think it's an individual thing, I personally think over 12 hours is an accident waiting to happen. For me, at my age, much over 8 is too much.

[rach_nc_03]

we're people, not machines. i can't believe this sort of thing happens- it's sick.

any employer who requires mandatory OT is treating their employees like they have no other obligations besides their job, and that's crazy.

I worked in a law office many years ago for an attorney who would stroll in around 2 PM- I was required to be in at 8AM. At 5, he'd swing by and tell me I needed to stay a few extra hours, after he'd been in his office with the door shut, talking to his girlfriend overseas for a couple of hours. I refused. Every time. I had to sit there from 8 to 2 with nothing to do. I told him I'd be happy to come in at 2 and stay in the evening if he liked. He was furious- he just liked being able to have someone under his thumb. I tallied up what they'd owe me in OT if I did what he asked and handed it to the managing attorney, who promptly put a stop to his requests.

Totally different situation in nursing, of course- but at some point, hospitals are going to start thinking in the long-term about employee retention- hiring nurses, burning them out so they quit, then going through the expense of hiring and training someone else- such a band-aid where sutures are what's needed.

Heh- or a full transplant!

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

My husband can't believe we don't have sleep regulations. We have people's lives in our hands!!!!!

he is a pilot and they HAVE to have a certain amount of hours of sleep every night for alertness and safety.....

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Most facilities have rules that mandate no more than 16 hours can be worked. Thus if you do 12 hour shifts, they can only mandate you for 4 hours.

[gitterbug]

I disagree that some things can not be done to help out in these crunch times. There are often people setting in the break room in OR, sure they deserve some down time, but when rooms are clean, a break has been had, and no cases are on board, send them to do some of the crunch work. VS, water

pitchers, i & O, lots of things if you think about it they could do.

Also, supervisors could pitch in and do an admit or two. If it is really crunch time, any RN in any office job should pitch in. It may be mandating in a way, but it means help from more sources and the everyday people do get a little break. I mean it, floor nurse/staff nurse does not mean peon.