[mikethern]

I'm going to ask my boss if I can work 4-hour shifts. Have you ever heard of such a thing in the O.R.?

[luvschoolnursing]

When I worked casual pool when my kids were little, I worked 6-11:30PM because that's what worked for my family. Not OR, though, med-surg. If your hospital is short staffed, they will let you work all kinds of crazy shifts. plus they're usually happy because they are not paying you any benefits.

[DutchgirlRN]

My experience in all departments has been that the manager doesn't care who works what hours as long as they are all covered. On OB/GYN we used to always split the holidays into 4 hour shifts. It was great.

[ORSmurf]

I work at a surgery center and we have one RN who works per diem and often comes in just for breaks/lunches from like 8:30am - 12:30pm. We have a couple others who just work the afternoon, from noon to 4pm. So, yes!

[Sarah, RNBScN]

Our ER dept. has 4 hr. shifts 19 -23 every F-S-S.
Our OR dept. has 4 hr. shifts 10 -14 M - F (to cover breaks, lunch).

The negative is that if you work past it, it isn't o/t. For o/t to accumulate you have to have worked 7.5 hr. tour or longer.

Staff do not like them and we are trying to get our union to get rid of them.

[DavidNurseEMT]

We have them in our ER. They aren't "positions," but they are posted for OT every week. You can pick up any four hour block for ST or OT. In fact, I am supposed to be doing a 4hr shift tonight 19-23. However, my co-worker just called and begged me to stay for the whole 12, because she isn't going to be home in time. I'm not happy about it, but I need the $$, so I'm staying.. see ya in the morning!

[ajaxgirl]

Originally Posted by mikethern

I'm going to ask my boss if I can work 4-hour shifts. Have you ever heard of such a thing in the O.R.?

yes, our OR had them. Part timers would work them. They were 1300-1500 or 1400-1600. Most people hated them. i didn't mind them.

[shodobe]

I work a few days a week at one hospital usually from 8am to 12noon to breaks and lunches. Been doing this for 8 years. I work full time elsewhere.

[Marjorie]

My cousin started working 4 hr shifts in her hospital's OR (Wisconsin) after she had kids. Now that they're all in school, she picks up extra hours when she can. Eventually she plans on going back to full-time.

[ewattsjt]

Hi Mike,

Sorry my reply is late. We have a girl that is part time that does exactly what you suggest. She comes in for the late morning breaks and lunch relief only. The only catch is that she is subject to call with the rest of us. It seems to work good for everyone who is involved. She is also sometimes asked if she can stay over but if she can’t it is not a big deal.

I saw your post about breaks, so it looks like you are on the same track.