Many registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who are paid by the hour work overtime, most of which is voluntary, according to a recent Medscape report.
For the report, Medscape surveyed 5,143 RNs and 2,002 LPNs in 2019.
The survey found that 40 percent of hourly-paid RNs reported working overtime this year, compared with 42 percent the year prior. Similarly, 49 percent of LPNs reported working overtime this year, compared to 50 percent in 2018.
Among RNs and LPNs, 56 percent in each profession reported one to five overtime hours per week, according to the survey.
Medscape representatives said both groups reported that most overtime was voluntary and that they were paid for nearly all overtime worked.
"It will be interesting to see whether the trend of working less overtime will hold as the anticipated nursing shortage worsens," the representatives added.
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