working more that 16 hours straight

I feel for you. I used to be a PACU nurse (19yrs) but finally got out for reasons you stated...using the PACU as an

"overflow ICU" was what did it for me.

Your best bet is to check with Florida's Dept. of Labor. Make certain you get the name of the person to whom you have spoken. Ask if there is a law and if so, request a copy. Have you attempted a computer search for info?

Good Luck.

Elke,

I'm afraid my help is limited -I'm in Canada,but if you are unionized,your union contract would definitely address this. If you are not unionized,calling your Florida State labour department should be of some help. As well there are oodles of websites which may help you out.Perhaps someone here could help:

http://www.laborlawtalk.com/index.php

Or there may be something here:

http://www.megalaw.com/fl/top/fllabor.php

In our unit,we work a maximum of 16 hours in a row when we're on call - if our call is scheduled after a 15-23 shift. (call then goes from 23-07). We absolutely go home then - unless there's a very unusual circumstance,like a blizzard, preventing the day staff from getting in. Some nurses here on AllNurses,after call have to stay on for all or part of a day shift, but that wouldn't be allowed here -thank goodness!

Our ORs do elective cases every weekend - so we are regularly staffed on weekends (2 7-3s,1 11-7, 2 3-11s),including the same type of call.

The best of luck finding some answers - like you,I wouldn't just take my unit manager's word on it.

I was wondering if you got an answer to this question as our nurses are sometimes in the same situation in Florida?

Start with the DOL in your area. I live in NM and on our DOL webpage there is a statement of forcing personnel to work over 16 hours straight- not allowed. Which means the hospital must have some policy in place with step by step instructions, who to call, when to call, how much time to give them to find a replacement, etc. The problem is enforcing the policy. There is always ONE nurse who will choose not to follow it and that will set the whole unit up for failure. ASPAN's standards for 2008-10 (?), it's the latest ones, has a call/exhausted check sheet for PACU nurses. You go down the list and check off the boxes. If you feel you are unsafe it guides you through the proper steps and channels. Maybe presenting this to your Superiors will help clear a path for safer patient care. Remember: The Superiors are at home sleeping... you're the last thing on their minds.