Health care workers often dedicate long hours to patient care. In the aftermath of a global pandemic, the industry faces additional pressure to extend work hours due to increased demand for health services. However, longer shifts can lead to fatigue and eventual burnout. If left unaddressed, this could weaken an essential workforce.
Familiarity with health care employment laws enables medical staff to demand fair overtime pay. This self-advocacy protects their interests and sustains their ability to deliver effective community care.
Understanding the basics of overtime pay
New Jersey law entitles most employees to overtime pay for work exceeding 40 hours per week. This applies to many health care workers, including nurses, medical assistants and technicians. However, some medical workers may not qualify for overtime pay.
Important factors to consider when examining your overtime pay include:
- Employers usually calculate overtime pay at 1.5 times the standard hourly wage.
- A workweek is defined as any fixed, recurring 168-hour period.
- Some salaried employees may qualify for overtime, depending on duties and pay.
In hospitals and residential care settings, overtime rules apply to nonexempt staff working more than 40 hours a week.
Special rules for health care workers
Round-the-clock health care creates unique overtime situations. New Jersey has specific rules for some health care workers:
- Some facilities can use the “8 and 80” rule, which uses a 14-day period instead of seven for overtime.
- Employers can count on-site on-call time as work hours.
- For shifts of 24 hours or more, employers may sometimes deduct sleep time from work hours.
The state also bans forced overtime for workers involved in direct patient care, except in emergencies.
Protecting your rights
Good timekeeping is key to protecting your rights. So record all work hours, on-call time and required training carefully.
If you think your employer is breaking overtime rules, try:
- Talking to your human resources department
- Initiating a formal complaint process with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
- Consulting with an employment law attorney
The law stops employers from punishing workers who stand up for their overtime rights.
As you start another shift, remember: your time is valuable, your work is essential and your rights are firm. By knowing and speaking up about overtime rules, you’re not just protecting your paycheck. You’re helping keep the health care system strong.