Some members have raised the issue of sleep days after a night shift being counted by management at Smithton District Hospital as a day off. We want to make it clear that this should not be the case.
The Nurses Award is clear that:
“Employees are to be allocated two (2) consecutive days off after a night shift. The morning upon which the night shift ends is not included as a day off but is a sleep day. Deviations from this should only be considered and rostered if the staff member has requested this roster variation.”
If you return to work without being granted these days off, you are entitled to penalties. Conditions such as this one are an important part of preventing workers from burning out and are hard-fought by union members just like you.
We strongly encourage you to discuss this issue with your nurse colleagues as it sounds like it is something which may be happening too often.
If there are any other issues, rostering, conditions or otherwise, get in touch with us anytime via HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or at [email protected]