New York state nurses are saying O-U-T to mandatory OT. Unions representing the state’s nurses are supporting legislation that would ban mandatory overtime – a move already taken by states like New Jersey. Supporters of the bill say it will help retain nurses in a profession that is seeing a shortage nationwide. Studies also show that nurses forced to work extended hours are prone to make mistakes. On the flip side, the Health Care Association of New York puts the blame on the state for not properly funding educational institutions that train nurses.