Nurses welcome agreement to ban mandatory overtime

LATHAM, NY (06/18/2008)(readMedia)-- The New York State Nurses Association hailed an agreement announced today by the leaders of the State Legislature and Gov. David Paterson that will lead to a state law prohibiting healthcare employers from forcing nurses to work overtime.

"We have fought for this legislation for more than eight years," said Tina Gerardi, RN, chief executive officer of the Nurses Association. "Our members across the state have told us that employer-mandated overtime is endangering their patients and their own health. We are committed to ensuring that nurses are not forced to work beyond where they can provide safe patient care."

The state Nurses Association represents more than 36,000 registered nurses. The legislation also applies to licensed practical nurses.

"This is a landmark agreement for both patients and nurses," Gerardi continued. The nurses' union first proposed legislation to ban mandatory overtime in 2000, and it has since gained the support of patient advocacy groups and other unions that represent nurses.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 36,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.