3p-3a

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I will be moving from days (7a-7p) to not sure what to call it (3p-3a) next month. New grad, 14 week orientation, 1st 12 weeks 7a-7p, then 2 weeks on my true shift 3p-3a before orientation ends and then I'm on my own (hmm, where'd that PSVT come from...).

Last summer I worked 7p-7a during my externship, got a lot of tips about how to manage that from y'all and life was good.

So, any tips for this particular shift? I was going to just kinda go with the basic overnight plan and modify as necessary.

Larry77, RN

1,158 Posts

Specializes in Trauma/ED.

I worked 1500-1300 for years and liked it very much. You are able to go to sleep in the dark and when you wake up around 1100-1200 you still have time to get errands done or go to the gym. I'm not sure what dept your working but in the ED we have a lot of shifts like this called "mid-shifts" because we are busier during these hours so we require more staff.

My bet is you will like this shift...unless you are a morning person that can't stay up late...

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

YUCK! What a horrible shift. No time to do anything except sleep & go to work. I hope you don't have to work too many in a row.

I once had a night nurse tell me that her husband thought she was the ideal wife - didn't need any wardrobe other than pajamas & scrubs - always available to run errands or take the car to the shop during the day - and he never had to give up control of the TV remote during prime time :D

Noryn

648 Posts

It is a bit of a quirky shift but I used to work 2 pm-2 am and loved it. It wasn't too late and I could sleep in.

Vanfnp

63 Posts

I love the 3p-3a shift! However, I would rather stay up late then get up early. The best part is that 3 days per week is full time. The worst part is the days of work you don't really see family much but again it is only 3 days of 7. If you were ok with 7p-7a, you will like 3p-3a. Good luck

MB37

1,714 Posts

Those sound like my dream hours! My only option is 7-7, although our ER has 11-11 shifts. Basically, you get up earlier than your shift (like 1100-1200), run errands or relax, then fix something to eat and head to work. Pack a lunch and make yourself eat something on your shift. Come home, relax for an hour or so, then go to bed. I haven't worked those hours in nursing but worked similar ones for many years in the bar/restaurant business. They're perfect, as long as you're something of a night person by nature.

erlissy

61 Posts

Specializes in ER.

I work 2p-2a and it works out just fine. I am always up by 10-10:30 and i still have a normal life (sleep wise!) on my days off. It works for my hubby and I (and the 2 dogs!) Lunch is usually my breakfast time and I just work out meals from there.:up:

RNsRWe, ASN, RN

3 Articles; 10,428 Posts

I guess any shift is good if it works for you. I'm just imagining the flip side of that: the person that comes in at 3am and stays until 3pm! Not me.

larn901

11 Posts

Specializes in critical care and er.

Get ready to work! I work in the ED 7p-7a and your shift is the busiest time. Good thing is time will fly by.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN

1 Article; 4,094 Posts

Specializes in Oncology.
YUCK! What a horrible shift. No time to do anything except sleep & go to work. I hope you don't have to work too many in a row.

I once had a night nurse tell me that her husband thought she was the ideal wife - didn't need any wardrobe other than pajamas & scrubs - always available to run errands or take the car to the shop during the day - and he never had to give up control of the TV remote during prime time :D

That's the case with any 12 hr shifts, especially if you have any kind of commute. Luckily, you generally have your other 4 days a week for errands and such.

Specializes in Rural Health.

I did 3-3 and loved it - it was the perfect shift. Got home and in bed by 4, up before noon. Plenty of time to get things done. Never felt drained and/or simply exhausted all the time from lack of sleep the "total night shift" offered.

Specializes in Emergency.

Thanks for the input. My commute is 6-9 minutes, depends on how many red lights I get. Should be interesting. So far I love working in the ER. Excited yet scared to be on my own next month. Very supportive atmosphere though, that will help.

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