Standby? Can someone cover two Departments?

[OBnurse2016]

Can a RN safely cover standby for two different departments? I am being asked to be on standby for two departments at the same time every other weekend. I turned it down because I am already doing so one weekend a month. I have had to cover both departments in one weekend and felt that working 18 hrs straight was just not safe. Does anyone know of any resources that prove that a nurse should not be on Standby/On call for more than one department? Have searched my states rules and regulations and could not find anything.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Have you asked them what would happen if both depts needed you?

[nurse lala, BSN, RN]

You can set limits on what you Willing to do on your time off. Agree to be on call if and when it works for you, but just for one shift on either unit that needs you. You cannot be forced to be on call for two shifts but you can be coerced. Some administrators are manipulative and will take advantage of the nurse who has problems saying no. (i may be overthinking this). If you volunteer to be available they don't have to find someone else. You are allowed to waive your rights. We all do it to be a team player once in a while. But make sure it is something you agree with before accepting. They cannot make you.

I do have a few ideas in response to your request; Contact a nursing organization in your state for advise. Check your employees handbook. Write a letter to the RN legal adviser in one of the RN magazines.

Ultimately, my question, OBnurse2016, is to the person asking me to do this thing, is "how do you expect me to do this? " and

'have you ever known this to work in the past?" The answers can be enlightening. Let us know how it turns out. Best of luck.