Human Resource Blog

Safe Daily work hours for nurse

What is a safe time for a nurse to work daily and can the employer make her work after her shift is over, if she is not a floor nurse? The nurse has not worked the floor in 10 years or more and was asked to give medications, is this lawful?

Generally, an employer can require a worker to put in any amount of overtime – even 100 hours per week or more. An employer can require an employee to work when their shift is over. This is referred to as mandatory overtime.

However, several states have laws that specifically prohibit mandatory overtime for nurses. Usually, the law states that the nurse cannot be forced to work overtime when she thinks it will endanger the patient’s safety.   

Massachusetts is one state that limits mandatory overtime for nurses.

This is a controversial issue since the nursing shortage has resulted in excessive overtime in many areas. For a more specific answer, post a question mentioning your state.

As far as the legality of a nurse without current floor experience giving medications, you would need to check with the licensing board in your state. However, this is probably legal, as long as the nurse’s credentials are up-to-date.