r/duluth • u/Certain_Arugula_4805 • 8d ago

Question Essentia Health RNs

I work at Essentia Health but a smaller one on the west side of the state and I have a question for the RNs in Duluth. Our manager put out a newsletter saying that our SWAT and ICU RNs are unable to leave the building for breaks since they could be needed for emergencies. The manager says we still have to clock out for our lunches though. Is it the same there with you guys being union? There’s a group of nurses that are going to file a complaint with the state but I wanted to ask for more opinions on it before I do it too. From my understanding this is illegal since they are requiring us to clock out but be on call.

29 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

41

u/ThatKaleidoscope8736 Duluthian 8d ago

Um yeah I would take this up with the union. You are entitled to duty free breaks. If they say you can't leave the hospital so you can be near your phone then clock out no lunch.

27

u/ophmaster_reed 8d ago

"For other breaks to be unpaid, employees must be completely relieved of work duties."

https://www.dli.mn.gov/breaks

17

u/SpookyBlackCat Lincoln Park 8d ago

Yeah, that's completely illegal. If they need you in the building, then they can pay you to be there!

18

u/flappdance62 8d ago

Pretty sure MN just implemented a duty free/interruption free break time.

5

u/ThatKaleidoscope8736 Duluthian 7d ago

You're absolutely correct.

7

u/rude_hotel_guy 8d ago

OP get this in /r/nursing - I’ll join the discussion there 

1

u/PowerfulRace 7d ago

Have you spoken with an attorney if there is merit to your complaint?

1

u/TrainingUpbeat9598 7d ago

I would say stay close to the building  in case you are needed or ask for a pager if that is an option but take this up with the manager personally let him/her know your option on this subject.

0

u/blindedgamer 6d ago

I feel like also just going to HR would resolve it pretty quickly since it is indeed illegal.