Question: Recently I completed an overtime shift and my NUM indicated that if I liked, I could have time off in lieu instead of being paid overtime. Is this correct?

Answer: Clause 25(iv) of the Public Health System Nurses and Midwives’ (State) Award 2015 does permit a nurse to elect to receive time off in lieu of overtime payments. However, the time off must be taken within three months of it occurring, otherwise it will be paid out as overtime.

Nurses cannot be compelled to take time off in lieu of overtime.