working hours

Re: working hours

Sal the 1st — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:47:06 GMT

ok I have looked through a previous post - if this is the same job as previously mentioned you started there in July so you havnt been there that long? Did you have previous nursing experience or is this your first job? - it seems awfully quick for you to start in July and do sole charge weekends unless you had previous experience and even then I personally wouldnt be happy with this if it is a referral practice.

http://www.vetnurse.co.uk/forums/p/14075/116478.aspx#116478

presumably you have a Clinical Coach who will be responsible for you? I am not being horrible but I am concerned about what I am reading here!

Re: working hours

Sal the 1st — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:38:51 GMT

do get professional advice and do check your contract if you have already signed one , how do other people at work feel about this? - are they happy with the situation?

TBH even tho this is not ideal it is only happening once every 10 weeks and for many people this would be huge improvement on what they are currently working. Dont forget these hours will be averaged out over 4 weeks or a month and because of this and time off allowed there may be no rules being broken?

Is it the case that students get less time off for a weekend because one of those days is a college day? (I dont know just asking). Again tbh I would be concerned that a student nurse is being left in sole charge without another qual nurse as backup for that length of time - even if there is a vet that can be called out. At what stage is a student nurse deemed capable to take on weekends sole charge and during their weekend would they not have to carry out treatments or procedures that due to their student status should be supervised? (again just asking)

I have to say it - if you have already signed a contract and you have agreed to these conditions in the contract you have signed - you could be on a sticky wicket

Re: working hours

Caro Laithwaite VN — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:26:41 GMT

Even sleeping if on duty counts as on duty. If you didnt sign work time directive seperate paper and not just contract l understand it is illegal and you can come out of WTD without predjice and practice not allowed to take it out on you.Suggest you check up with ACAS or BVNA

Re: working hours

Sal the 1st — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:47:32 GMT

did you agree to this when you took the job? Is this in a contract you have already signed?

Re: working hours

Heather Thorne — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:35:31 GMT

Personally I think that is a ridiculous amount of hours for one weekend. How can anyone's brain cope with that? expecially for sick patients. i would consult the BVNA and check what the legalities are.