Operating Room Is Eliminating Call Pay, However Is Still Requiring Call

Location: Indiana

No union present

Hello there, throwaway account so I don't get my ass fired for daring to question the almighty employer.

For those unaware, in an operating room, there is a "call staff". These are the people that stay late (past 8 hour shift) to complete surgical cases, and who comes in if an emergent surgery is added on after hours. This consists of nurses, scrub techs, and anesthesia providers.

I am a nurse and I work in an operating room. Currently, we get paid $4/hr to take call, starting from the time you leave work to 0700 next morning. If the whole unit is downstaffed, then you are paid $4/hr from 0700 to 0700. Most of us start work at 0700, but some days it's 0600 or 0800.

For reference, responsibilities when on call include:

• Staying within a 30 minute radius from the hospital-- you MUST show up within 30 minutes of being called

• Cannot be inebriated

• Must be able to be contacted via phone at all times during on call shifts

Now, they are "getting rid" of call. Meaning:

• No surgeries are to be added to the schedule after 1700

• No weekend or overnight call

Ok, cool right?

But basically, what they've said is that the designated "totally not on call" team is expected to be available for the entirety of their 8 hr shift (ok) AND any time after those 8 hrs until 1700. For example, if I come in at 0700 and leave at 1530, there is a period between 1530 and 1700 in which I am at home, but expected to return if a case is added on at, say, 1630. I am not free to go about my day, especially considering I live in a rural area and many of my daily activities require at least a 45 minute drive.

Also, if the entire unit is downstaffed, and a case is added on between 0700 and 1700, the "totally not on call" team is expected to come in. But they are not being compensated for that 0700-1700 shift.

I'm looking into labor laws and whatnot of course. From what I am gathering, this actually isn't illegal in Indiana. But would like some guidance and input! All of this info is coming from an email from my manager.

Thanks