Nurses General Nursing
Published Jul 10, 2003
How many of you are on the 7 12's schedule, and what is your general opinion of it. Likes, dislikes, pros, cons, etc.
MRG™
3 Posts
Originally posted by igloorn93 Dave, I have to agree with you. I did 7 on 7 off 12 hour shifts for 81/2 years and LOVED IT! I took an interim postion that changed my schedule to a Monday to Friday 8a-5p. I HATE it. I'm getting ready to go back to my 7 on 7 off schedule again. I have done it on both days and nights. I find I am more tired doing the M-F shift. Also, I don't have enough time to get things done or go and see family and friends. Our whole hospital is the 7 on 7 off with 12 hour shifts and there is very little complaint, and no more errors than a comparable hospital that doesn't staff that way. It's all in how you set your mind. For us day 6 we were more tired than any other day in the rotation, but by shift 7, look out. You couldn't stop us. We were super nurse. Bring it on. You only had 12 hours and counting left and then it was like being on vaccation for 7 whole days. We are all entitled to our opinions and likes and dislikes, but until you've given the schedule a good try, (at a minimum 3 rotations of working), you really can't judge weither it is more dangerous or not.
Dave, I have to agree with you. I did 7 on 7 off 12 hour shifts for 81/2 years and LOVED IT! I took an interim postion that changed my schedule to a Monday to Friday 8a-5p. I HATE it. I'm getting ready to go back to my 7 on 7 off schedule again. I have done it on both days and nights. I find I am more tired doing the M-F shift. Also, I don't have enough time to get things done or go and see family and friends. Our whole hospital is the 7 on 7 off with 12 hour shifts and there is very little complaint, and no more errors than a comparable hospital that doesn't staff that way. It's all in how you set your mind. For us day 6 we were more tired than any other day in the rotation, but by shift 7, look out. You couldn't stop us. We were super nurse. Bring it on. You only had 12 hours and counting left and then it was like being on vaccation for 7 whole days. We are all entitled to our opinions and likes and dislikes, but until you've given the schedule a good try, (at a minimum 3 rotations of working), you really can't judge weither it is more dangerous or not.
Great reply ! I'm glad to hear there seems to be about an even split for those who love it, and have no problem handling it, and
those who definately do not like it. I'd like to have it available as
an alternate shift option for interested people, while leaving those
who are opposed to it, on their standard shifts.
Keep the replys coming !
Cynthiann
322 Posts
I'm just still in school but have a question about 7 on/7 off shifts. How does the pay work? Do you get straight pay until 80 hours? Or do you get time and a half after 40?
renerian, BSN, RN
5,693 Posts
Makes me sick just thinking of doing 7/12s..........sigh.....
renerian
Originally posted by Cynthiann I'm just still in school but have a question about 7 on/7 off shifts. How does the pay work? Do you get straight pay until 80 hours? Or do you get time and a half after 40?
Most places will be time and a half after 40, and the 7 days divided over 2 pay periods, so that one pay period would be 36
hours straight, and the other pay period, 40 straight, and 8 automatic OT, resulting in a gross pay for 88 hours of straight time.
live4today, RN
5,099 Posts
Well.....more power to those of you who enjoy working like that, but as for me.......three 12's a week is all this old woman can stand.
sbic56, BSN, RN
1,437 Posts
In retrospect, I agree having the option to do 7/12's is great for some. I used to work 50-60 hours a week when I was younger and thrived. Just can't see it anymore.
Originally posted by sbic56 In retrospect, I agree having the option to do 7/12's is great for some. I used to work 50-60 hours a week when I was younger and thrived. Just can't see it anymore.
sbic56..........I can't see it, can't do it, can't fathom it, can't imagine it.......not anymore. Nope, can't...won't...do it!
:chuckle
Agnus
2,719 Posts
In Nevada the only folks that work a job like that are employed in our legal brothals. Those folks tell me it is rough.
AlaskanRN
97 Posts
I work 6 12's/8 off....love it and have no desire to work a different schedule...although I must admit...if it's been a particularly grueling week it's a long day six...but you can't beat that long stretch off...
ainz
378 Posts
I worked 7/7 8 hour shifts and loved it. I also have worked the 12 hour rotations. I have worked 7 12s consecutively, I have worked 28 12 hours shifts in a month more than once when agency nursing on the road. If your body and mind can tolerate it--go for it. I think that for most people it is too physically and mentally exhausting and efficiency decreases and risk for making errors increases. Just my opinion. Thanks.