Mandatory OT

I have to sign up for OT. Why have I heard ppl say its illegal? My last job had it as well..
Mandatory overtime is when they have no other choice but to make you stay later than your assigned shift. You probably are signing a voluntary overtime slip that indicate both parties are in agreement to the OT. One day I was supposed to leave at 3pm and was asked to stay. I said I could not and they told me they had no coverage coming in and would have to stay. I asked if I was being mandated to stay and they quickly found someone to come in! Although mandatory overtime is not usually illegal (check your institution's policy on overtime), it doesn't reflect well on management when it is frequently used as a staffing tool.

No . I have to sign up for 24hrs/6 week schedule. Over my full time hours.

Quote from jodyangelNo . I have to sign up for 24hrs/6 week schedule. Over my full time hours.

I think it depends on labor laws in your state. I practice in PA, so there are laws that help protect nurses from mandatory overtime.PASNAP | Pennsylvania’s Law Against Mandatory Overtime

In Indiana, employers have all the power. They can require you to work however many hours they want you to, without any notice and require you to be in for your next shift, no matter how few the hours in-between. If you refuse, you can be fired. Indiana law also makes no provision for ANY type of break, no matter how many hours you work. I looked up the link above on PA overtime laws ...wish Indiana would address this. It's difficult to give safe patient care when you're exhausted.

Quote from Crispy CritterIn Indiana, employers have all the power. They can require you to work however many hours they want you to, without any notice and require you to be in for your next shift, no matter how few the hours in-between. If you refuse, you can be fired. Indiana law also makes no provision for ANY type of break, no matter how many hours you work. I looked up the link above on PA overtime laws ...wish Indiana would address this. It's difficult to give safe patient care when you're exhausted.

Are you a union faciity? If so, what does your contract say about mandatory overtime?It always surprises me that facilities are willing to pay overtime pay for mandatory overtime hours when in fact they could hire more staff and not pay out as much...

Ask your coworkers who have worked longer than you if this mandatory overtime business is an exceptional situation or everyday life.Long term mandatory OT is a sign of a poorly run place. You could also ask your manager about this.If I was in that situation, I would update my resume and start looking at other jobs if overwork was a long term situation. In the interview I would ask specifically about mandatory OT.

At the VA our UNION CONTRACT stated no more then 16hrs with 8 hrs for sleep..and.. if the RN declared his/her self unfit for duty due to exhaustion they HAD to find a replacement (this was all void if a local/national emergency was declared..ie war/adverse weather ect). Your post points to a typical UN-caring hospital doing whats not right for its professionals in Nursing.

Quote from jadelpnAre you a union faciity? If so, what does your contract say about mandatory overtime?It always surprises me that facilities are willing to pay overtime pay for mandatory overtime hours when in fact they could hire more staff and not pay out as much...

My job I left in PA in may had mandatory OT..

No they're not requiring me to stay past 12 hrs.. They require we sign up for 24 hrs over our regular time. Not a union and yes I believe it's gone on for quite some time..I can't leave. I signed a contract because of a sign on bonus. I just want to know if it's legal in NC