8 hour days or 12 hours days?

Daisy_08, BSN, RN · May 13, 2011

I'm a new grad too. I did 6 weeks of consolidation at a hospital that did 8's and 6 weeks at one that did 12's. I think the 12's are WAY better. I felt like I had a life doing the 12's. On 8's i felt so rushed, and I was always trying to get caught up on charting, I always left because of it. On 12's I never left late. i felt way more confident as a student. I'm a big fan of the 12 hour shifts. But I also know nurses who love 8's too. I guess if just depends on life style ect.

good luck and congrats on the job

Emergency RN · May 13, 2011

You're right in that eights seem a bit rushed. As soon as you get everything settled and "in the groove" so to speak; it's time to leave, LOL...

Working 3 days a week versus 5 allows you to pay only 66% commuting costs both in money for gas and time spent going to and from work. Twelves are harder on the body, but if you're young, then usually that's not an issue. You have a lot more time on your hands to work a second job if you so desired, continue education, or for family life or socializing. After 26 years, I couldn't ever work eights.

Welcome to nursing and good luck!

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 13, 2011

I definately prefer 12's. I think I'm just as exhausted after 8 hours than after 12, so it's not like I would be going out much after work. It's also nice to have four days off, rather than just two.

2011nursetobe · May 13, 2011

Thanks guys! I have been worried b/c I've heard nurses complaining about 12's, but now I am happy to hear that they aren't so bad. I was also worried about having to stay late for 12's to catch up on charting but maybe that won't happen as often as I had thought.

Another quick question...what does a rotating schedule mean? Rotate off and on weekends or what?

RNlovesherPharmD · May 13, 2011

As a new grad, I started on twelve hour shifts and had the same commute you have---and loved it! Then our unit was mandated to have only 8 hour shifts. It is definitely burning me out. I haaaaaaate 8 hours plus the commute, you get little time to recoup having only 2 days off, which may or may not be back to back.

I'd stick with the twelves if I were you :)

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · May 13, 2011

any schedule that is 8am-5pm m-f is the devil if you are not able to run personal errands during your work day. everything is closed before and after work and on the weekends. nurses that work 8 hour shifts that do not have such constraints (i.e. are able work outside of 8am-5pm window or are able to run errands during that time) tell me that he/she is doing quite well and preferrs the schedule.

on the other hand, in my experience 8 hour bedside positions outside of an or in an acute care facility go to experienced nurses. thus, not many new grads have the option to work 8 hour shifts inside of a hospital setting. not to worry, 3x12s are not bad. in fact, as others have pointed out, it gives you a chance to adjust and be flexible with work and your life.

joanna73, BSN, RN · May 13, 2011

I've been working 12 hour nights for almost 6 months now. I am also a new grad. I prefer 12s. I've also experienced 8 hour shifts when I had a placement in the OR, which I found more exhausting. At least with 12s, you have more time off.

systoly · May 13, 2011

12s are the best, especially with a long drive - saves on gas and travel time.

smily nurse, BSN, RN · May 13, 2011

12's are the best... go for it!!! :yeah:

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · May 13, 2011

My facility does 8 hour shifts. One of the reasons why I won't take a full time position.

I love my days off. I'd so much rather do 3 12's than 5 8 hour shifts.

Katie5 · May 13, 2011

Twelves ALL the way:)

8 hour days or 12 hours days?

8 or 12 hour shifts? Which would you suggest for a new nurse?