8s vs 12s; night shift or day shift?

Nurses New Nurse

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What do you think is better for new nurses? Is it better to do 5 8 hr shifts or 3 12 hr shifts? Is it easier to learn on nights or days?

I kind of want to do 5 8 hour shifts that way I am going everyday vs 3 days and then going a few days without plus I don't think it would be as exhausting. I personally like days but I would imagine nights might be easier for a new grad. What are your thoughts?

Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

New nurse here. Hands down, 12-hour night shifts are awesome for learning. Love all the time off as well.

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As a new nurse you may find it a better learning experience to work days. Also, there is a lot more support and it's generally better staffed so you can focus on learning your skills and fine tuning your assessments without being totally rushed. I prefer eight hour days and twelve hour nights. But when I started nursing I did day and night 12 hours and it was great. I've tried an eight hour line and I hated it. It felt like I was there all the time. I would probably try the 12s and see how it goes :)Good luck!!

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, PACU,SICU.

I have worked 5 8's and 4 10's and now am working 3 12's and it is the best thing ever. I just worked my 3 12's and am off for the next FIVE days. I have worked 3 -11 and that is a really busy time, I think. I have never worked nights, days is busy but I like it a lot.

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Specializes in Adult ICU.

Personally I have rotated days and nights on orientation at a level 1 ICU and have to say prefer days for orientations to learn and get a feel for the devices and people however I would say nights is better off of orientation because its slower and allows you to focus on your work and gain your confidence.

Day shift can be very hectic and night allows time for teaching and showing so when you get your first ventric you're not overwhelmed.

I would never work 5 8's as a floor nurse. Maybe later in my career when I have kids and am in a higher nursing position. I love being able to go to the store and not have to fight to get down an isle and deal with rude people who act like they don't see you standing there waiting to pass......

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I will work whatever shift, whatever time frame in whatever location so I can get my 1 year experience in. I don't have a preference right now - I just want someone to give me a chance.

xoxo

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Specializes in Mental Health, Hospice Care.

lol...I love this thread....I say nights are better, others say days are the bomb lol...it really boils down to preference and the Nursing that you are doing...I nurse in a correctional setting, so nights are a little more active (which I like)....these folks seem to live at night so that is where a lot of the action goes down....you will find your niche, enjoy either way you choose :).

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I work 5 8s, 3-11. I love the 3-11 shift as I am not a morning person, BUT I feel like I have no time off. This is my weekend off (I work every other one) and it is taking me all day to recharge. I love my job and the facility (rehab in a LTC) but it is NEVER 8 hours. I am a new grad (May) and am so grateful for a job, but it is an hour drive for me and I am hoping to get in a place where I can do 3 12s AND closer to home. I would also like to stay in rehab. Ya'll can keep the med/surg :loveya:

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