So do you actually take your breaks?

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2011

Yes, and on the very rare occasion I miss a supper ( happened maybe twice in 4 years), I punch out " no meal". You should be getting and taking your breaks-martyrs aren't a benefit to anyone except hospital administration.

merrywhiterose · Mar 31, 2011

It's illegal for you not to take your breaks.

FlyingScot, RN · Mar 31, 2011

It's illegal for you not to take your breaks.

Um...please provide a reference for this statement. Not quite sure it's accurate.

backatit2 · Mar 31, 2011

Um...please provide a reference for this statement. Not quite sure it's accurate.

it's not really accurate, but it IS illegal to work when you're off the clock - and since 30 minutes gets deducted from your time/pay - you are essentially working off the clock if you don't take a break.

Janit · Mar 31, 2011

At my job, we work 8 1/2 hr shifts.. so were suppose to get 2 15 min and a 30 min lunch. The 2 15 min are paid, but the 30 minute isnt.. none of my other coworkers take breaks at all... And when i ask to take my 30 miunte unpaid lunch they make me feel guitly about it! Why would I work when Im not getting paid!!?? Is this unreasonable?? Im wondering how many other people take their breaks? Also, Im the only PCA on the floor, so while im on lunch noone else is there to 'cover' my break, so the PCA on the other floor would have to watch over it while still watching her floor...

I don't take breaks when we have heavy intake (ER). I used to work in the restaurant biz and was lucky if I got a bathroom break (we NEVER got meal breaks)! It goes with the territory and responsibility. If you are seriously stressed and need a break, ask your CN (if you can find him/her) to cover. You have rights but your patients needs supersede yours.

canigraduate · Mar 31, 2011

In North Carolina, it is up to the employer whether to offer breaks or not. Only children under 16 are required to have breaks.

For adults, though, break time (if offered) does have to follow certain rules. 15 minute or less breaks are supposed to be paid. If your employer deducts a break from your check, it must be at least 30 minutes.

http://www.nclabor.com/wh/fact%20sheets/breaks.htm

SBJR219 · Mar 31, 2011

First of all, if your co-workers choose not to take their breaks that's their business. That doesn't mean that you have to follow in their footsteps. You NEED to take your breaks. Your are entitled to them. You need to sit down, refuel your body (food) and mentally give your brain a rest from the psychologically and physically demanding job we do! When you take your brake, it is the responsibility of another nurse to cover you. You need to report off to them. When you take your lunch break, write a one line note in the chart: time it and state, "report endorsed to Jane Doe, Rn or "care of patient endorsed to Jane Doe, Rn. This will place the responsibility on that nurse if any happens when you are on a break. Cover your license, you worked hard for it. Where is the manager in all this? Are you in a union facility?

FlyingScot, RN · Mar 31, 2011

it's not really accurate, but it IS illegal to work when you're off the clock - and since 30 minutes gets deducted from your time/pay - you are essentially working off the clock if you don't take a break.

But that would only apply if you actually clocked out. Otherwise there would be no way to verify exactly what 30 minute period was docked.

Janit · Mar 31, 2011

Federal law requires employers to provide workers who work 5 hours a 15 minute break away from their area. Also it stipulates a mandatory 30 minute break for employees who work 8 hours. Nurses, waitresses, cooks, retail salespeople and other who serve the public skirt these issues under the radar. It isn't legal but we have responsibilities. We can't say: "sorry you need your dressing changed and your pain meds but I'm on my break!" When I committed to the nursing profession, I knew what I had to do and I accepted it, warts and all.

canigraduate · Mar 31, 2011

Federal law requires employers to provide workers who work 5 hours a 15 minute break away from their area. Also it stipulates a mandatory 30 minute break for employees who work 8 hours.

Actually, according to the US Department of Labor, federal law does not require breaks.

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workhours/breaks.htm

aanwyn, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2011

I take my 30min break pretty much every time I work. I never take the 2 15's because an entire hour off the floor would put me behind. I notice that when I'm stressed just that 30min period of being away helps me gather myself and pretty much refresh. Who cares what your coworkers think or how they try to make you feel...take your break! I'm a pretty new nurse and most of the time I feel swamped, but not eating for me is a real problem. We need fuel and coffee doesn't cut it in my book. So TAKE YOUR BREAK!

BelleP · Apr 1, 2011

I work LTC and we do have the two 15 min breaks and one 30 min lunch breaks. All breaks are paid because they can page you to come back to the floor should something come up. We just have first or second break and we just sort of automatically check with each other who takes which break. I normally take my half hour one (to eat) but I rarely take the 15 minute ones. Most people take the assigned breaks at work and CNA's are encouraged to take their breaks on time and to use it. It all depends on what is happening at the moment but for the most part, staff are encouraged to take their breaks and majority do take it. That's what its there for!