I work as a nurse practitioner in the state of Tennessee and I am on salary. My contract states that I am expected to work 40 hours per week and additional time as needed to carry out my responsibilities. I am given 12 vacation and 12 sick days per year. If I need to be out of the clinic I am required to take leave time unless I have worked over 40 hours that week. If so the time worked over 8 hours each day that week will be credited before leave time is deducted. We have a 2 week pay period. The "compensation time" must be accumulated that week with no carry over from the previous or following week. If I am expected to work over 40 hours in a week is there no obligation on the part of the employer to compensate me for the time worked over 40 hours per week.

Thank you,

Lori K. Anthony, FNP

What is the point of all this information? Do you have a question?

Hello Lori:

I think you're an hourly employee.

I think they put you on salary to avoid all the things they'd have to pay you for IF you were an hourly employee. Yet, they're NOT letting you enjoy the benefits of BEING on salary, and they're treating you like an hourly employee. They can't have it both ways.

So. What to DO about it?

I don't know how much you want to keep your job, but you're going to have to make a stand. I would pay a visit to the HR department, and make some inquiries. Talk to your boss.

If you're not getting anywhere, you might want to consult a lawyer. You may very well be entitled to back overtime pay.

excon