How many straight hours can an employee legally work? I know that most hospitals have a policy, but not my place of employment. Is it legal for an employer to allow and employee to work an 18 hour shift?

~nurse@night

Yes, it is legal for an employer to allow or require an employee to work an 18-hour shift. That's likely a terrible idea (except in a case of bonafide emergency where there are no other staffing options) but it's legal.

If you are a nurse, contact your state Nursing Board to inquire, though. Some states have limits on how many consecutive hours nurses may be required (or allowed) to work.