Double shifts and doubling back

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in adult psych, LTC/SNF, child psych.

I recently started a new position at my hospital as a rotating E/N nurse. I'm not currently being considered for 12 hour shifts because there aren't a lot of day shift nurses working 12s for me to be able to line up with. I'm also new, so other people's preferences get priority. On my old unit, I worked 2-12s and 2-8s to equal 40 hours. In order to still permit me to have 3 days/week off, my assistant manager has allowed me to work 1-16 and 3-8s.

I don't mind the 16 hour shifts (although I know literature frowns on them) but here's where my problem begins. My assistant manager heard from someone that I prefer to do double shifts and then come back into work in 8 hours, so working 3p-7a and then coming back in at 3p for another shift. This is NOT true. I did not say this to anyone ever, although I have been known to "do favors" with short staffing and to cover call outs. I admit that I have worked these shifts as scheduled and not complained too much, but I am not happy with my current situation. I've done 16 hour shifts before for overtime or in exchange for a shift off, but never have I said that I preferred to work this way. I have some co-workers who willingly do this type of schedule to get all of their hours in but I know they still don't really like that kind of schedule.

I'm going to draft an email to my assistant manager demanding that I no longer double back and for assistance in modifying my schedule for October to reflect this as well. Is there any sort of recourse that I can get for being scheduled these shifts against my will or is it all on me because I've seen the schedule and begrudgingly agreed to work the shifts? BTW this is NOT overtime. I'm never working over with these shifts, just my scheduled 40. I have an hour long commute each way, so I'm getting 6 hours sleep at the max if I hit the bed as soon as I get home with no traffic and wake up to go in with no prep time (shower, etc.), more like 4.

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Why can't you just bring it up in conversation? Say I'll do it once in awhile in a jam (if you are willing to anyway), but I can't do this on a regular basis. I live an hour away and I can't function on less than six hours of sleep. She may only be doing it because she really thinks you prefer it that way. Then if it doesn't change is the time to get formal with an email.

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Specializes in PCCN.

3p to 7 a? that's brutal!:eek:

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Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

Way back I used to do double weekends; 16 hours on Saturday and 16 hours on Sunday. And even though I was only working 32 hours weekly I made bank because the first 8 hours were straight pay, but the next 4 were time and a half and the last 4 were double time. I don't think any employer does that anymore. It was rough and I would never do it again, especially for straight time.

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I can't imagine "demanding" anything from my manager. She is the boss, I am not. Send the email REQUESTING to be scheduled off after your 16 hour shift and correcting the misinformation she has received.

If your request is not met, speak with your manager in person. If they still don't get it, prepare to make a move.

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Specializes in adult psych, LTC/SNF, child psych.
I can't imagine "demanding" anything from my manager. She is the boss, I am not. Send the email REQUESTING to be scheduled off after your 16 hour shift and correcting the misinformation she has received.

If your request is not met, speak with your manager in person. If they still don't get it, prepare to make a move.

Yeah, I'm sorry. "Demanding" was a little rash and harsh. I was just really tired and mad last night.

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Yeah, I'm sorry. "Demanding" was a little rash and harsh. I was just really tired and mad last night.

I've been there. At least your mouth was running on an online forum. Mine usually runs in person if I'm tired/mad. For some reason if I'm tired I become brutally honest. Not a good quality. :sorry:

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Why can't you just bring it up in conversation? Say I'll do it once in awhile in a jam (if you are willing to anyway), but I can't do this on a regular basis. I live an hour away and I can't function on less than six hours of sleep. She may only be doing it because she really thinks you prefer it that way. Then if it doesn't change is the time to get formal with an email.

I'd have a conversation, too. Demanding is rather harsh, and she may not understand that you were only helping out and this isn't your preference.

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