Nursing & Healthcare Overtime Calculator 2026
Compare the FLSA 8/80 hospital exception with the standard 40-hour workweek rule. Enter your 14-day schedule to see which produces more overtime pay.
8/80 Rule Breakdown
The 8/80 Rule (FLSA §207(j))
The FLSA provides a special overtime exception for hospitals and residential care establishments. Under Section 207(j), these employers may use a 14-day work period instead of the standard 7-day workweek for overtime calculations.
How the 8/80 Rule Works
- Daily threshold: Overtime after 8 hours in any workday
- Period threshold: Overtime after 80 hours in the 14-day period
- Both thresholds apply; the employee receives whichever results in more OT
- There must be a prior agreement between employer and employee before the work is performed
Source: DOL Fact Sheet #54 — The Health Care Industry and Hours Worked
Standard 40-Hour vs. 8/80 Comparison
Under the standard rule, overtime applies after 40 hours in each 7-day workweek (two separate weeks in a 14-day period). Under the 8/80 rule, overtime applies after 8 hours per day or 80 hours in the full 14-day period.
The 8/80 rule can result in more or less overtime depending on the schedule:
- Nurses working three 12-hour shifts per week get more daily OT under 8/80 (12 hours of daily OT per period)
- But they may get less period OT since 72 hours is under the 80-hour threshold
- Toggle between modes above to compare both scenarios with your actual schedule
Who Can Use the 8/80 Rule?
- Hospitals (including outpatient clinics operated by hospitals)
- Residential care establishments (nursing homes, assisted living, group homes)
- Must have a prior agreement or understanding with the employee
- Does NOT apply to standalone physician offices, labs, or pharmacies
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my employer have to use the 8/80 rule?
No. The 8/80 rule is optional for eligible employers. They can choose to use the standard 40-hour workweek instead. The employer must establish the arrangement with the employee before the work period begins. Check with your HR department.
Can I be forced onto the 8/80 system?
The FLSA requires an agreement or understanding between the employer and employee. However, in practice, this is often part of the hiring agreement or employment policy. If you're unsure, ask your employer which overtime method applies to your position.
How do 12-hour nursing shifts work under 8/80?
With three 12-hour shifts per week (common in nursing): each shift generates 4 hours of daily overtime (12 − 8 = 4). Over 14 days with six 12-hour shifts, you'd have 24 hours of daily OT. Total hours (72) would be under the 80-hour period threshold, so no additional period OT.