anyone work 16 hours?

JRapha'sRN · Aug 10, 2005

Generally it is not too bad. I found that if I am needed for a double that pretty much ensures that I will be busy enough not to notice all the hours that fly by. If you are working doubles for overtime pay sometimes you have to be careful to not jump a tax bracket and lose all you just earned (although you will get it back when you file your annual taxes). I had a friend who had it worked out as to how many doubles she could pull each pay period and still see good money in her check. Do what works for you and above all stay safe--in your practice and driving home!

happthearts · Aug 10, 2005

Yes and I finally put my foot down! It was was too often I have worked 24 straight one time when we had a huge snow and staff couldn't make it in. It was the pits .Then the following morning the nurse took her sweet time about getting something to eat and putting on her Make up I finally said if you want a report you better sit down and listen I am only staying 5 minutes more.

I most often work 12 a day right now 5 days a week ,doing home health.My company just hired someone so hopefully that will get cut back to 8 .Its effecting my health.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Aug 10, 2005

I usually sign up for 2 doubles each week...extra dough. Hey, it's not too bad. But, I guess it depends on where you work and the acuity.

leopold · Aug 10, 2005

I worked back to back 16 hour weekend shifts when I started nursing school and I found it good in that you could get all your work done in two days and then move on with your life. On the other hand, if you had a bad day you couldn't just leave after 8 hours and go home and hide under the covers, it seemed like the bad day lasted for 32 hours.

dinkymouse · Aug 10, 2005

I have worked 16 hours in a row and it isn't to bad. I don't do it often because it screws up my body clock. I have to work an 8 hour shift and then come back in 4 hours later for a 12 this weekend. I think I prefer just doing the think to go from 3p to 3p.

Alicia18 · Aug 18, 2005

16 hour shifts are okay, but by the end I usually feel like I want to sleep for a year. 12 hours are usually best for me -- just the right amount of time for me, esp. if I'm working two nights in a row! After you work 16 hours, 12 hours seem just to FLY! And 8 hours -- heh, they don't even feel tiring anymore! lol.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Aug 18, 2005

i've pulled the occaisional 16 hour shift for ot, and they're ok once in awhile. as a steady diet, though, they're too hard on the body. well, maybe it's because i'll be 50 next month . . .

ruby