Dear Debra,

I write to express the SNA's objection to a new practice that has developed in certain departments whereby Nurses "who have 50% or more of your shifts in a pay period with overtime" are subject to discipline.

A revised notice was posted 4/28/08 in the critical care department by Rachale Smith, RN and Kris Cuthair, RN, CCD managers, stating that "for those who have 50% or more of your shifts in a pay period with overtime, we will begin having discussions about your time management which could result in the disciplinary process".

Several nurses in the CCD have received notification from their managers consisting of a written document. This document includes a copy of the Nurse's timecard for the pay period and a hand written note by the manager. At least one of these notes states, "For those with 50% or more shifts in O.T., we will begin time management disciplinary action".

This appears to be the first step of the discipline process and such an action is inconsistent with Hospital policy #08-30 Counseling, Corrective action and Disciplinary process. The policy states that the coaching/counseling step requires a discussion with the Nurse.

The imposition of a new practice regarding 50% of the shifts worked in relation to overtime as a basis for disciplinary action is arbitrary. The Hospital's policy #3-50 Overtime does not include such a rule.

We also object to the 50% overtime rule because it appears to permit (or require) the counseling or discipline of Nurses even in the absence of a demonstrated "problem" with the Nurse's performance regarding time management or violation of policy. We are aware of the issuance of one of the notices referred to above where
the Nurse received explicit authorization for the overtime.

The assumption that overtime worked 50% or more of the shifts in a pay period is the result of poor time management disregards the Nurse's obligation to their assigned patients and the

requirements of providing safe patient care. The Nurse's license and Hospital job description require the Nurse to complete the patient care ordered by the physician and specified by the nursing care plan. They must accurately document their assessments, record the care given as well as the patient's response. Then, they must report all pertinent and necessary information to the Nurse assigned to assume the patient care for the next shift. These responsibilities and obligations are paramount. The Nurse's judgment regarding patient care priorities should prevail in the determination of which aspects of patient care, if any, can safely be postponed in order to avoid overtime.

Very truly yours,

Sue Gadbois
President, SNA

cc: Kathy Hardin, RN, CNO