Too Much OT? Any regs

ktwlpn, LPN · Dec 10, 2003

Originally posted by michelle126
Are there any regulations on how many hrs a nurse is permitted to work.. All I can come up with is must have at least 8 hrs off in a 24 hr period. I'm working with a nurse right now who has at least 50hrs OT per pay check and works at least 20 day stretches without a day off and double or 12 hr shifts mixed in. Yes her work has suffered..barely does nurses notes or any charting and comes in 1/2 or 3/4 hr late each day. And yes....she wants and asks for the OT hrs:eek: Administration doesn't see this as a problem since the shifts are filled, but I do since I need to pick up the slack and cover while she's late

That kind of schedule can lead to abuse or a serious mistake but until that happens admin seems to turn a blind eye...I would NOT pick up her slack or cover for her again....

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2003

Well as far as picking up the slack...when she is late, I'm the only nurse (RN) in the building...the previous LPN "has" to leave at 3pm on the nose and refuses to stay, some times the day RN will stay for that short period.

ktwlpn, LPN · Dec 10, 2003

Originally posted by michelle126
Well as far as picking up the slack...when she is late, I'm the only nurse (RN) in the building...the previous LPN "has" to leave at 3pm on the nose and refuses to stay, some times the day RN will stay for that short period.

I "have" to leave prmptly at the end of my shift also....and if my relief makes a habit of coming in late I WILL make an issue out of it...You are in LTC,correct? I can't think of much that could not wait until she gets in..I would give report to the aides and let them make up their assignment and go on to my own .......Remember-there are no victims-just volunteers....She gets away with this because her co-workers ALLOW it....

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2003

Well thanks for responding...I understand about leaving on time..I like to too:D Just makes me a little mad when I get to work on time and want to releive my RN but have to deal with the other nurse yelling...I want to leave..You have to count with me first! I don't try to to her work too and constantly tell her residents...You'll have to wait...but what burns me is the first time I miss to chart or sign off a simple stupid thing I'm called in... I worked her assignment a few weeks ago and went to do a dressing change on one of her res... I wasn't expecting what I saw... went to look in the chart for some info or notes on the resident....none for at least a month...checked his labs...was extremely anemic..and in renal failure with elevated WBCs...nothing followed up on or taken care of for this resident..These type of issues are affecting pt care (I do have a meeting scheduled with DON to discuss)... Just because there is a warm body filling a slot and passing meds doesn't mean the work is getting done....

I just think working 20+ days in a row 8-16 hrs shifts are a bit much...Dont you all?

healingtouchRN · Dec 11, 2003

I know folks who work like this alot! They are single parents with ex's who won't pay child support. So they just trudge along. I hate it for the employee, clients & kids as well as those who work with her! The work does suffer, the employee stays sick more. Employer is happy to have shift covered. sad but true!