working related issue at retirement home

Off the clock work is a common issue and violates a number of laws (not usually criminal laws).  Management may be talking out of both sides of their mouths when they say "don't work off the clock" ["wink wink -  we really do insist you keep working"] but that is literally the correct instruction.  Most employees are entitled to be paid 1.5 times their usual hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in each workweek (overtime).  Many employers try to avoid this costly expense by minimizing overtime hours, either legitimately by ensuring employees get off the clock and go home after their regular shift or illegally by requiring employees to keep working off the clock. A typical employee in your wife's situation should obey her supervisor's instructions not to work off the clock.  Yes, an employee can be fired for ignoring that instruction.  If the employee gets near the end of her shift and important or assigned work remains, she should seek her supervisor's instructions to either keep working on the clock or to get off the clock and let someone else handle the remaining work.  If the employee is worried that she may get fired for this course of action, she should seek legal advice from a Board Certified Labor and Employment Lawyer who represents employees (many only represent corporations).  See www.tbls.org for a listing of board certified attorneys. Good luck.