I finally got my 3 twelves!

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

I am so excited. Not even a full 2 weeks ago I was told it was impossible at this time, due to staffing constraints. We have 2 people starting but they're GN's and won't be up and running for a full 6 weeks and one doesn't start until the end of this month.

Instead of driving myself crazy over this, I just resigned myself to thinking it won't happen until April. Even though I'm getting super burned out with the 5 8's. Those 1 day off deals between 4 and 5 day stretches were ridiculous. But I found out today that starting in February I got the 12's!

I do have to rotate days/nights. Doesn't look too crazy though. The fridays that I work before my weekends off also have me off on Mondays so that's pretty nice, one of them I actually work daylight on the Friday instead of nights. I heard that's rough on you to get the weekend off but working the nightshift the Friday before.

I was warned it's more responsibility but I'm not seeing how it will be that different from what I'm doing. However I've never had to work the 11p-7a just days and evenings so all the hoopla before the MD's round at 5am will be new, but still I think it will be a better than the 8's.

For anyone working the 12's. If you pick up an extra shift now and then, do you do 16hours or do you come in on a day off? I just wonder about the initial financial difference. My husband and I talked about it before but still.

Also for those that work only daylight 12's how long were you on the unit before you got them? I absolutely do not want to rock any boats, I'm happy enough with the 12's but I know myself and I know the nights wont be my best,but I will deal with it as I need to. If we keep hiring people is it reasonable in 6mos or would it be more like a year that it could be approached? I just like to be prepared. Odd in this career b/c much is dynamic and constantly readjusting and being flexible, but I like to have that plan even if it goes up in smoke!

[Nurse_Candice]

I do 12s, and when I pick up its usually a schd day so Ill do 16. I do come in on off days and do 8 or 12 sometimes too. It took me 6 months to get the days but im in a small facility and happened to have a period where there was a lot of turnover giving me the opportunity only due to the need. i love the xtr days off but its def more exhausting. Its hard too if you get alota calls to pu on off-day dt call offs cause your already tiered and doing so many hours in one lump sum but it allows for alot more potential $ banking when your up for it.

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

I do 12s, and when I pick up its usually a schd day so Ill do 16. I do come in on off days and do 8 or 12 sometimes too. It took me 6 months to get the days but im in a small facility and happened to have a period where there was a lot of turnover giving me the opportunity only due to the need. i love the xtr days off but its def more exhausting. Its hard too if you get alota calls to pu on off-day dt call offs cause your already tiered and doing so many hours in one lump sum but it allows for alot more potential $ banking when your up for it.

Thank you. Did you work 8's before? If so, did you like them? The people I've talked to all said the benefits outweight the bad stuff/exhaustion. i.e. not driving in, besides more time off. Parking will make no difference b/c we pay by the month and it's taken out of our paycheck. You think they'd give a rate cut but oh well.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

Congratulations! What floor are you working? Beware of extra hours. The money is as addictive as heroin, and the more you say yes the more they'll call you.

As a person who wants to help people, you must protect yourself from abuse. NEVER feel guilty for refusing extra hours! 16 hour shifts? My higher brain functions are long gone by the end of that, and if a code come into the ER after I've worked 15 hours, I'm only good for BLS. ACLS skills are home tucked in bed and snoring loudly already.

May all your orders be legible and all your doctors personable.

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

Congratulations! What floor are you working? Beware of extra hours. The money is as addictive as heroin, and the more you say yes the more they'll call you.

As a person who wants to help people, you must protect yourself from abuse. NEVER feel guilty for refusing extra hours! 16 hour shifts? My higher brain functions are long gone by the end of that, and if a code come into the ER after I've worked 15 hours, I'm only good for BLS. ACLS skills are home tucked in bed and snoring loudly already.

May all your orders be legible and all your doctors personable.

Thank you. I'm on ortho, so it's exhausting on any given day. Don't get me wrong as it is now I have no problem with the word no and got over the guilt really fast. I can't handle the 5 eights with a day inbetween before working 4 and 5 days in a row. It's just too much. Now I haven't done 12's other than when I precepted and other than juggling projects that needed done I thought the hours were great (but again I'm not my "best" with night shift but I can cope I think)

So I was thinking less days (yes I get more hours strung together) maybe I could do a 16 now and then or something, I don't know that I'd want to go in on my days off. I'm not that far, but I'm not just around the corner either. But I can see where some extra money here and there may be good. I will say I'm not about money though. I see some nurses that pick up every extra shift stay for 16 work 6 days in a row. I don't know how they do it. I need to be with my family more for balance.

[Nurse_Candice]

Thank you. Did you work 8's before? If so, did you like them? The people I've talked to all said the benefits outweight the bad stuff/exhaustion. i.e. not driving in, besides more time off. Parking will make no difference b/c we pay by the month and it's taken out of our paycheck. You think they'd give a rate cut but oh well.

I did do 8s prior and I did like them. Now when i do one its like oh its time to go already, great! You get used to the long day and i start feeling it after the 3rd 12-16 in a row especially if its a week we are heavy on admits. I do prefer the 12s for all the xtra days off though it makes family life way easier!

[tena64]

I like to do 2 12 in a row , i work nights 7p to 7a ,

i actually like a matrix if i can find it 2 12 on , 2 off ,then 3 day weekend.

it ends up being 36 one week , 48 the second week.