US Labor Law on Overtime in Nursing Situations - Essay Example

Since they are necessary to be present even during at nighttime, some of them need to work overtime. Overtime means spending more hours beyond the usual eight hours a day required in a full-time job. Working overtime may have various implications and consequences that is why it is an important issue to resolve. In addition, some overtime works are compensated while others do not have any pay at all.

In the case of the paper, two situations will be considered with differences for each event. Both involve nurses and overtime and their situations will be explained based on the United States Labor Law on overtime. They may either be protected by the law or not and further suggestions and studies may be given to solve such instances. After all, they are necessary for assisting people to become healthy and ensure the survival of those who have sickness and in poor shape.

The first situation involves Sammie, the full-time nurse who had been working for more than six months with overtime but without pay. She complained to her co-employees about it and even the issue reached her manager. She may rightfully demand to pay as she is protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act which points out that overtime work must be properly compensated. In particular, it pertains to the 150% compensation rate per hour for working beyond 40 hours per week (Wages: Overtime Pay). In other words, working beyond the normal hours must be properly compensated and should not be considered volunteer work. It should not be work without pay or else violation is committed against the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The second situation differs from the first one as it showcases Marissa who is required to work without any day-off. She is being paid well for the extra work but she feels so tired from working without any vacation. She complained to her manager, but she got ignored. She quitted later on. The situation will not punish Marissa for her action as Section 167 of the Labor Law protects the healthcare workers and uplift the quality of their performance. The third provision under that section points out that mandatory working beyond the scheduled shift may only be done in case of emergencies due to natural calamities, surgeries, governmental conditions,s and safety patient care (Mandatory Overtime for Nurses). Although she is properly compensated in terms of monetary gain, it is still a violation as overtime work must be voluntary only and not compulsory.

Both laws protect the rights of the nurses from the abuse of the higher-ups as they must be treated fairly and just. If the nurses do not get the right fair treatment, they may file a case against their boss who violates the laws.