Employment Law

Nurses: Your Pre-Shift Handovers Should be Paid

A group of nurses walking down a hallway in a hospital. (Photo: Luis Melendez / Unsplash)

Major Health Care Investigation

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has been contacted by several non-unionized nurses and care providers in Canada — claiming they aren’t being paid for mandatory pre-shift “handovers” or “changeovers.”

This practice is illegal. Employers can’t require nurses or care providers to perform work before their shift without compensation, even if they’re non-unionized.

📺 WATCH: Handover/Changeover Pay for Non-Union Nurses

We’re currently investigating these allegations and gathering information from affected workers. If you’re a non-unionized nurse or care provider who’s lacking handover pay, call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Our experienced employment lawyers have helped tens of thousands of Canadians, including health-care staff, enforce their rights and secure the compensation they’re legally entitled to.

⚠️ Unionized?
Contact your union immediately. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees.

What’s a Pre-Shift Handover or Changeover?

In Canada, health-care workers are often required to complete a “handover” or “changeover” before starting their shift. Essentially, this means spending some time getting brought up to speed on the responsibilities they’ll be inheriting from an outgoing colleague.

Handovers or changeovers prevent:

  • Confusion among incoming health-care staff
  • Delayed or poor patient care
  • Serious medical errors

Your Rights as a Non-Unionized Nurse in Canada

Non-unionized nurses have strong legal protections in Canada:

  • You don’t have to be unionized in order for pre-shift handovers or changeovers to be paid.
  • If completing a pre-shift handover or changeover is mandatory, then your employer must pay you — it’s non-negotiable.
  • Your employer can’t punish or fire you for asking why you aren’t being paid for pre-shift handovers or changeovers.

If you’ve raised concerns internally about not getting paid for pre-shift handovers or changeovers and nothing has changed, all hope isn’t lost. Seek legal advice immediately.


Why Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

  • 👥 50,000+ Canadians successfully represented
  • 💰 Secured millions in compensation
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Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

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