Anyone done 7on/7off 10 hour day schedule?

Nurses Career Support

Published

I am moving and the hospital I would like to work at does a 7on/7off 10 hour day schedule. Anyone done this? Pros? Cons? I currently do 3 12's a week and don't mind it. I think I could make it through the 7 on as long as I can see that light at the end of the tunnel with 7 days off. TIA!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I did 7 on 7 off in the UK for several years and loved it. For us when we booked 7 days vacation we ended up with 3 weeks off because we still got our 7 off either side. I find it much easier to get into a sleep habit when working more than 3 days. Currently work 2 or 3 on and then 2 or 3 off and can't get into a proper sleep pattern

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

There has been a lot of patient-safety research lately on the effects of fatigue. The evidence indicates that more than 4 days of 12 hour shifts has a very negative effect on job performance. Most US hospitals have abandoned this type of schedule because of the liability risks it entails... very difficult to defend if it becomes an issue related to a lawsuit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, SICU,(Critical Care).

I presently do 7 on- 7 off in a rural hospital ER, 10 hour shifts that sometimes stretch into 12s w/ paperwork. I LOVE my 7 off, but if you have 3 or 4 bad days, that last3 or four can be bad. Work, sleep, eat, maybe 3-4 hours for every day things, washing cloths, etc. But if your shifts are 8 hours, or you can handle 7 bad days in a row (they sometimes happen), go for it. some of my coworkers schedule short 3 to 5 day cruises on their time off.

If you try it and feel it is not for you, do you have the option of changing to another type shift? If yes, then you have no downside....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment