Every nurse in the long-term care or senior living industry has been asked to stay late or cover a shift. And because it is in their nature to help - they do it.
But what’s the result?
As Elizabeth Newman, McKnight’s Senior Editor, stated in her blog “It’s been a hard day’s day” there are negative results from working long hours. Researchers are increasingly finding that those who put in the longest hours have higher levels of depression and anxiety. And a 2010 study found that overtime work adversely affects coronary health.
Overtime in many organizations has become a habit that is tough to break. When a call-off occurs, you need to fill a shift fast, so you get someone on the floor to fill it – resulting in OT.
The impact is much more than financial, it drains on your staff, leading to burnout and ultimately turnover.
There are ways to prevent this from happening. Learn from Foundation Healthcare who implemented strategic practices that not only saved them $500,000 in overtime costs but improved their staff satisfaction and employee retention.
It is important to keep your staff happy … because a happy staff provides better care.
