4 12s a week?

NurseforPreggers · Oct 31, 2004

I have to work 4 12s every 3 weeks on my weekend to work. It is horrible!!! Atleast for me. I feel like I am gonna die after 4 12s. I much prefer 3 12s.

zambezi, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2004

I work two on two off four on six off...I love it!!!

weetziebat · Oct 31, 2004

I used to work 44 hours a week, so would do 2 on, 2 off (12 hr. shifts) most of the month. I loved it. The only time I hated it was working 2 on, 1 off then 2 more on. But it was night shift, and in an eye hospital, so not like a really busy med/surg. unit, which may be much harder.

Loribabble · Oct 31, 2004

I currently do a 4 12hr stretch every other week.... it's rough but doable on my unit which is usually pretty slow (small obs -low acuity). I tried it once on a busy ortho-trauma and just about passed out from sheer exhaustion at the end... but then I was also commuting 2 hours each way by ferry at the time too....

flaerman · Oct 31, 2004

I routinely do 4- 12 hr shift/week, just now all in one strech when I can help, we do self-scheduling for the most part and I am one of the PSL's(charge nurse/micro-managers) and we do the scheduling anyway, if one of is on vacation or sick etc then I will 4 in a row but not often. After Hurricane Charley hit us I worked 8 in a row.... flaerman

mustanggirl_689 · Oct 31, 2004

Where I work we usually do 3 10 hour days and then 2 half days(6-12). I like that in a way because I know when I can make appts. or when I can do my errands so my weekends are freed up to do things with my family. I think the ideal hours for the medical field should be 4 10 hour days. That's just my personal feeling!

USNRN309 · Oct 31, 2004

I work in a military hospital, and we work 7 12's every 14 days. Usually in this pattern: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off. Looking at a calendar week, it comes out to 5 12s in one week, 2 in the other. Needless to say, one week is exhausting, the other is great. The only caveat is getting called in on a day off due to staffing crises or unexpected emergencies. Then, all bets are off.

rn29306 · Oct 31, 2004

Single male, no tax breaks, living in atlanta, been out 3 years. Worked 5 and 6 12s straight on routine basis. Longest stretch ever was 13 straight, would not rec this. You kind of stop caring after about 10 straight and like I said, not a good thing. I'm a glutton for punishment, esp for double time. I know diminishing returns kicks in very quickly, even at overtime but I did it anyway.

Sarah8714 · Nov 1, 2004

We have self scheduling where I work... I have done 4 12's in a row and my FEET hate it!!! I like two on and two off rotation but I try to schedule around my husband's fire department rotation schedule right now.

eak16 · Nov 1, 2004

FIVE twelves a week- no prob here. Have a friend working two 68 hour weeks in a row so that she can take a week and a half off without using benefit time. We do self schduling so this is possible.

DnThomts · Nov 1, 2004

Does anyone regularly work 4 12 hour shifts a week (or 3 12s and an 8?)? Seems like a good idea to work 2 days then take one off and then another 2 days on. Opinions anyone? :)

I often work 4 12's a week. Usually depends on the person on how they stack their days. I do try 2 on 1 off 2 on. Working nights it keeps my body from flipping out as compared to working 4 in a row ( for nights anyway ) because you end up sleeping all day when you finish your 4th so that puts you sleeping 5 days ( during the day) a week. Some people can handle it if you are a natural night person but it will tear your body apart if you're not and you're continousley doing it. Have worked 28 in row once for 4 week contract. Money was great!!! Body hates me still to this day. Doubt I'll ever do that again.:imbar