your break matters
BREAK ACCESS, REIMAGINED
A simple, staff-led approach to fair, protected breaks in the EC
The Break Access Project is a frontline-designed initiative that improves how Emergency Center staff (RNs and ECTs) access and coordinate their meal and rest breaks during high-acuity, unpredictable shifts. By introducing a simple, transparent Break Board within each pod, the project creates shared visibility around break timing and coverage, supports proactive planning, and promotes fairness across roles. This sustainable approach strengthens teamwork, communication, accountability, and trust—helping ensure staff receive protected breaks while maintaining safe, reliable patient care.
Project Goals
- Improve teamwork through shared visibility and coordinated break planning.
- Enhance communication around break timing and coverage.
- Increase personal accountability for managing individual break schedules.
- Build trust through transparent, predictable break support across the department.
the process
Each pod will have a visible dry-erase Break Board where staff record planned break times to support transparency and communication. RN1 will be responsible for managing the Break Board, supporting break coordination, and helping the team navigate coverage and timing throughout the shift.
1. plan
Review Assignment & Plan Your Break.
At the start of the shift, each staff member identifies whether they will remain in their pod or split assignments. Based on this, they choose an appropriate break window.
2. break
Commit Your Break Time. Staff write their name and planned break time on the Break Board as soon as they arrive to the pod.
During 4-hour assignments, write your break time when you arrive in the pod where you will be taking your break.
3. help
Team-Based Coverage During Breaks. Give report to pod partner/delegate tasks. While a team member is on break, the remaining pod staff provide support by monitoring patients, completing essential tasks, answering phones, and maintaining flow.
4. support
Utilize Tier-2 Support When Needed. When pods become high-acuity or overwhelmed, additional support (CAN RN, STAB RN, extras, Techs) is activated to ensure safe break coverage.
FAQ
What if my pod partner is busy at my break time?
Use CANs/Extras for coverage. Delegate open tasks and communicate with pod before stepping away.
Can I change my break time?
Yes. Update the board and notify your pod.
How do I take a break during Triage, PIT, or Rapid Eval?
Plan break before or after the assignment when possible. Utilize resources and inform Charge RN. Solution is underway.
What if I miss my break after utilizing all resources?
Use code “NL-CBA” when clocking out.
What if we do not have resources (CANs)?
Do your best to manage breaks among pod. Communicate with Charge RN. Clock out “NL-CBA”. Report this feedback using QR code on the back.
What if the pod becomes busy?
Patient safety comes first. Adjust timing and update the board.
What if multiple people want the same time?
Communicate early and adjust as a team.
Do ECTs follow the same process?
Yes. The Break Board supports break coordination for all pod roles.
What if someone is consistently not participating?
Start with a respectful conversation. If needed, involve the Board Lead or Charge RN to support accountability.
What if I have multiple assignments?
If you have 4hr assignments, take your 15 min breaks throughout your shift. Write your meal break time in the pod you will be in during that time.
Example: you start in C Pod then move to B Pod and want to take your meal break while in B Pod. Write your name on the B Pod Break Board when you switch assignments.
planning breaks
- Give a brief report to your pod partner/CAN. (Example: B7 is here for CP, workup started, needs repeat troponin in 15 min.)
- Delegate open tasks to ECT/pod partner/CAN.
- Place “I’m on Break” sign on your computer before going on break.
share your feedback
This form is intended for quick, real-time feedback about the Break Access Board and is completely anonymous. Please share what’s working well and what could be improved.
project timeline
January 12, 2026:
Data Collection Launch (feedback survey, 1 week)
Click here to read Survey Results
January 20, 2026:
Pilot Launch (C-POD, 1 month)
February 23, 2026:
Break Access goes LIVE department-wide.
April 6, 2026:
Feedback Survey 2.0 Launch, ends April 12.