[1972]

Im doing a refresher cource. The assignment is 12 hour shifts yeah or nay. ive not done a lot of 12 hour shifts so would like your input. How does it affect patient care good or bad?Continuity? Please help thank you

[Geeg]

It is clear that fatigue results in decrease in judgement and performance. I am very tired after 10, let alone 12hrs. However, I can't stand going to a job 5 days a week.

[vloho]

How many 12's are we doing?12on 12off 12on. not bad , 3 12's is too much at that point, I'm braindead.

[BadBird]

Three 12 hr. shifts are great, but when they mix 8 hrs shifts in and want you to work extra it is a major burn out.

[NephroBSN]

Originally Posted by 1972

Im doing a refresher cource. The assignment is 12 hour shifts yeah or nay. ive not done a lot of 12 hour shifts so would like your input. How does it affect patient care good or bad?Continuity? Please help thank you

I believe it's good for patients. They only have 2 nurses in 24 hours. I especially think it's good for nocs. You assess them at 1900 hours and then they can sleep through the night instead of being awoken at 2300. Also, for confused patients I think it's nice to go to bed with one nurse, see her all night and then wake up to her.

JMHO.

And many nurses find they work 10 hours for an 8 hour shift to get all their work done. Maybe not on nocs but often on days.