Our system accounts for daylight savings time on two occasions:
Spring Forward: When daylight savings time begins, clocks "spring forward," meaning an hour is skipped. In this case, a nurse working the 11-7 shift might only log seven hours of work despite working the regular eight-hour shift "on the clock."
Fall Back: Conversely, when daylight savings time ends, clocks "fall back," repeating an hour. For nurses working the 11-7 shift during this transition, it might appear as though they worked the regular eight-hour shift on the clock, while in reality, 9 hours of work was rendered.
image from www.bbvaopenmind.com
Understanding the Timing of Daylight Savings Time Changes
It's crucial to note that daylight savings time changes occur at specific times, namely at 2:00 AM EST. Therefore, the impact of daylight savings time on time tracking primarily affects shifts through this transition period.
For example, an 11-7 overnight shift occurs when daylight savings time changes. However, shifts that start after 2:00 AM EST or end before then, remain unaffected by the time change. So, a shift from 3:00 AM to 11:00 AM or from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM remains consistent regardless of daylight savings time adjustments.
Reading Timecards Correctly: Focusing on Total Hours
Here's how to read timecards accurately if you've worked during a time change:
Rather than focusing on the clock-in and clock-out times, look at "hrs total" on the timecard. This will display the actual total of hours being worked and therefore paid, while avoiding the confusion of what time it was on the clock.
Rest assured that if you work a shift in which daylight savings time occurs, ESHYFT accounts for that time change, and you will be paid accurately.