Shift Work

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi!

This is a question that I've had for a long time. The only place in my city that they do 8-hour shifts is the Long Term Care Facility, and there is only one of them, which is in the hospital itself. What are the opinions of experienced (or new grads, it doesn't matter)...do you prefer to do 8-hour shifts or 12-hour shifts? I know it all depends on the rotation you do as well, and apparently the one they have here for the LTC nurses aren't all that good. But anyway, any input would be great! I personally would rather do 8-hour shifts...

Amanda :)

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Eights

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Tens...Used to have those hours until they decided to do away with them. Now, I work eight. They're ok, but I prefer tens. Twelves are too long for me unless, of course, you're used to it.

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The argument around here is that the nurses say they get more days off when you do 12 hour shifts. But when I talked to someone who worked in a different town, she said that the nurses who do 8 hour shifts there get their days off just the same. So that's a rotation thing. I think also, for me, is that it depends on who your friends are...if none of your other friends do shift work (especially 12 hour shifts), then it's not very good.

Amanda :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I prefer 12 hr shifts, after working these for the past 6 yrs, I can't imagine working 5 days a week again.

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I prefer 8 or 10 If I had a choice, 12 are nice to get hours in and have days off, but you have to consider your life style too, do you have kids or a husband and what do they think about it. I have also read material when I was in school about nurses working more than 8 hours. More errors occur, not saying I agree with that, but can see how it would happen. I change hours somedays 8 some 12 and some back to backshifts! Good Luck!;)

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I only work 24hr/week so I like to work three 8's. I would miss my kids too much to work 12's. Unless I had to go full time maybe I would do 12's. But my husband travels so I need to have daycare. Daycare closes at 6PM. Most 12's work until 7PM.

Our hospital is pushing for a lot of 12's. Very few 8's posted.

Hey, how do you guys get all those cute pictures and even animated ones under your name? Am I not qualified yet? Something to look forward to?:cool:

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I PREFER 12 HOURS I HATE WORKING ALL WEEK. LESS DAYS AT THE JOB. :D

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