Daily Archives: October 24, 2013

10.24.13
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Mandatory Overtime Overview

In July 2009, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry was scheduled to begin enforcing Act 102 for all health care facilities. Recently, PSNA has received questions and concerns from nurses related to lack of enforcement and continued mandated overtime.

 

What is Act 102? Act 102 prohibits a health care facility from “requiring employees to work more than agreed to, predetermined and regularly scheduled work shifts.” Employees covered under Act 102 are individuals involved in direct patient care or clinical care services who receive an hourly wage or who are classified as non-supervisory employees for collective bargaining purposes.

 

To date there has been no regulation promulgated by the Department of Labor & Industry. However, it is a violation of the law should individuals in direct patient care be mandated to work beyond their regularly-scheduled shift. PSNA recommends you obtain a formal declaration, in writing, that the institution is mandating your overtime.

 

Click here to learn more about mandatory overtime. To read Act 102, click here.

 

If you feel that your institution is violating this law, click here to access an online complaint form through the Department of Labor & Industry or call your regional office:

Altoona Regional Office:
1130 Twelfth Avenue, Suite 200
Altoona, PA 16601-3486
Telephone: 1-877-792-3486 or 814-940-6224

 

Harrisburg Regional Office:
1301 L&I Building
651 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17121
Telephone: 717-787-4671 or 1-800-932-0665

 

Philadelphia Regional Office:
110 North 8th Street, Suite 203
Philadelphia, PA 19130-4064
Telephone: 215-560-1858

 

Pittsburgh Regional Office:
301 5th Avenue
Room 3300
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Telephone: 1-877-504-8354 or 412-565-5300

 

Scranton Regional Office:
201-B State Office Building
100 Lackawanna Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503-1923
Telephone: 570-963-4577 or 1-877-214-3962

10.24.13
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Distractions and Patient Safety

High levels of distraction in health care settings pose a constant threat to patient safety. PSNA, co-provided with the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, have posted a new continuing education course titled “Distractions and Their Impact on Patient Safety.” This educational offering is free to PSNA members and $10 to non-members. Click here to visit our Continuing Education Center.

10.24.13
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What to Do When all the Traveling Catches Up to You

The Following is a Guest Post by: Tara Heath Are you feeling the burn of your “gypsy” lifestyle? Has all of that traveling finally taken its toll on you? If so, take a deep breath and get ready to relax your stresses and tensions away. Here are some tips and tricks for soothing your weary bones when the Traveling catches up to you. The life of a traveling nurse is certainly rewarding. Helping others in need around the globe, traveling to new and exotic destinations, and seeing the amazing sights and attractions is very fulfilling; however, all of that traveling is bound to catch up with you sooner or later. When you’re tired and run down, you aren’t much good to yourself – or anyone else. In order to be the best nurse and caretaker that you can possibly be, you need to be well-rested. Take some time off. One of the best ways that you can get the much-needed rest and relaxation you need is to take some time off. Yes, there are so many people to help and yes, you want to be able to do all that you can for them, but if you don’t take a few days off for yourself, you aren’t going to be able to effectively help anyone. So, take a look at your schedule and arrange for a few days off. During your time of rest, kick back and relax. Spend some time at home and get reacquainted with yourself, your family, and […]

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