Are twelve hour shifts too long?

suzanne4, RN · May 12, 2005

Twelve hour shifts are wonderful. Sure, you are tired when you get home and not much time to do anything else those days, but you get four full days off per week....

Can't beat that........... :)

pricklypear · May 12, 2005

I found that 12s on nights work better. That way you can get more than 1 or 2 days off to get things done during the day. When you work 5 8s that 1 day off you either spend totally exhausted or sleep all day and can't get errands done on time. They do take some getting used to, though. I don't do much except sleep and eat between shifts.

HONEYBEAR · May 12, 2005

What do you all think? Are twelve hour shifts too long? I did 12's for my precepting and liked that I only had to work 3 days a week, but I felt really worn down at the end of the shift. Is this a common phenomina and what to do? I got hired on about a month ago for three 12's nights and I am definately excited for the job. It will be hard to go to night shift work. Oh Well.
Dkelly4972
Graduate in 1 day and 19 hours. But who's counting!

I have worked 12 hour shifts (nights) since I became a nurse....I love them, could never imagine working 8's.......I like my days off.......3 one week, then 4 the next

PMHNP10 · May 12, 2005

What do you all think? Are twelve hour shifts too long? I did 12's for my precepting and liked that I only had to work 3 days a week, but I felt really worn down at the end of the shift. Is this a common phenomina and what to do? I got hired on about a month ago for three 12's nights and I am definately excited for the job. It will be hard to go to night shift work. Oh Well.
Dkelly4972
Graduate in 1 day and 19 hours. But who's counting!

I'll take 3 twelves over 5 8s any time. Having to be a nurse 5 days a week every week is a whoopin.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · May 12, 2005

If the original set up on the floor is good, supplies in stock, CN does that job, then 12's are great. Too many times this is not the case. Facilities just keep trying to put square pegs into round holes and wonder why there is a problem.

MiaLyse, APRN · May 12, 2005

What do you all think? Are twelve hour shifts too long? I did 12's for my precepting and liked that I only had to work 3 days a week, but I felt really worn down at the end of the shift. Is this a common phenomina and what to do? I got hired on about a month ago for three 12's nights and I am definately excited for the job. It will be hard to go to night shift work. Oh Well.
Dkelly4972
Graduate in 1 day and 19 hours. But who's counting!

I work the Baylor program and it is nicer than your traditional 8's, although I do 7am-7pm every weekend and still pick up shifts during the week. :chuckle

Kelly

grinnurse, RN · May 13, 2005

What do you all think? Are twelve hour shifts too long? I did 12's for my precepting and liked that I only had to work 3 days a week, but I felt really worn down at the end of the shift. Is this a common phenomina and what to do? I got hired on about a month ago for three 12's nights and I am definately excited for the job. It will be hard to go to night shift work. Oh Well.
Dkelly4972
Graduate in 1 day and 19 hours. But who's counting!

I did 12 hs shifts for preceptorship as well. Thank goodness I only had to work 1 -3 day (on days). I was worn out after the third shift was over. The next day I slept for a total of 12 hours.............. :crying2: But I am looking forward to having 12 s. I also like the idea of having 3 days off one week and 4 the next. I have children so this will allow me a little more time with them and me. I hope that I get used to it eventually.

I could never work nights. I did that one time as a CNA and it sucked!! I am definately a day person since my "old age". After that 1 night, the next day I slept for about 17 hs stayed up for about 2 and then slept until the next morning :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Good luck on the new job. I will be starting a MS job after I pass boards ( day of course).

marylyric · May 13, 2005

Hello everyone. I sjust graduated, and have a job on med-surg 12 hour shifts. I hope I can take working night shift. If anyone has any hints. please share. thanks everyone

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · May 15, 2005

I did 12 hs shifts for preceptorship as well. Thank goodness I only had to work 1 -3 day (on days). I was worn out after the third shift was over. The next day I slept for a total of 12 hours.............. But I am looking forward to having 12 s. I also like the idea of having 3 days off one week and 4 the next. I have children so this will allow me a little more time with them and me. I hope that I get used to it eventually.
I could never work nights. I did that one time as a CNA and it sucked!! I am definately a day person since my "old age". After that 1 night, the next day I slept for about 17 hs stayed up for about 2 and then slept until the next morning :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Good luck on the new job. I will be starting a MS job after I pass boards ( day of course).

I also am looking forward to the 12 hour shifts. I am actually much better working nights now then when I was younger. I'm 32 now, and will be working 7p-7a.

janetrette · May 17, 2005

this is an interesting topic. i graduated with an a.a.s. degree and planning to work 12hr shift but also part-time school studies foro my b.s.n. do you think that possible?? my father told me that working 8hr is ideal so i could study???

marylyric · May 17, 2005

this is an interesting topic. i graduated with an a.a.s. degree and planning to work 12hr shift but also part-time school studies foro my b.s.n. do you think that possible?? my father told me that working 8hr is ideal so i could study???

Hi, Jeanette.

I think it is possible. A lot depends on you and what you are willing to sacrifice. I am also in the same situation, I am married with 4 children which adds to the stress of trying to pursue a bsn. My goal is to return for a bsn.

whatever you decide, good luck and god bless you.