Do you prefer 12 hour or 8 hour shifts?

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As far as ICU goes, would you rather work three 12 hour shifts per week or four 8 hour shifts per week? Why?

Just curious.. ;)

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Specializes in ICU.

12 hour shifts, without a doubt. I am already at work, I might as well stay a few more hours and have an extra day off in the week. I also like being able to spread things out throughout the shift. I think I get to know my patients better since I spend more time with them during a 12 hour shift.

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Specializes in 2nd Year RN Student.

I just precepted 4 twelves (nights) in a row and I'm ready and raring to go! I'm looking for ICU/CCU jobs and I would take a 12 hour shift over an 8 hour shift hands down! Your days that you work you don't do much else... but compare that to an 8 hour day... you come home and have a few more hours to spend with family. I'd rather have more days off to spend with them, personally.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I prefer to work two 16-hour shifts per week. :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Usually 12's. If we're really short, they kick my butt, but I still prefer having the other days off to schedule stuff (dentist, chiropractor, a trip to the gym, or just kicking back). Plus I don't use as much vacation time when I work 12's.

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Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.

Although I work in the Birth Center, I would in no way, EVER, work 12 hour shifts. I know that I am on limited energy and brain power by 10 or so. I also do not want anybody who's just done 3 12's or 2 16's taking care of me or my loved ones. I just do not see how you have been able to get adequate rest.

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I love the 12 hr shifts. And like I read somewhere above... Vacation time will be easier doing 12's. Heck, depending on what I do (for vacation), I may not even need to schedule any vacation time if I space my days out right. Like this week, my schedule turned out to have 6 days off in a row, and still doing 3 shifts/wk :)

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Specializes in icu.

I love twelves!! They are long days, but you can't beat only working three days a week!!!!!!!

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

Our hospital is finally going all 12's...has been for a few years now that ED/ICU and floor charges have been on 12's but all others on 8's.

Seems to be more and more difficult to find hospitals offering 8's.

Your question--I too love my twelves...plenty of days off to work mega OT :)

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Specializes in CCRN.

I think continuity of care for the patient is better with twelves. Fewer transfers of care, less info lost. Personally I love working twelves, but after three in a row I need a good day of sleep.

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3 12's in a row. Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
Although I work in the Birth Center, I would in no way, EVER, work 12 hour shifts. I know that I am on limited energy and brain power by 10 or so. I also do not want anybody who's just done 3 12's or 2 16's taking care of me or my loved ones. I just do not see how you have been able to get adequate rest.

The same could be said about an 8 hour nurse who got 2 hours of sleep the night before because they were out late partying (it DOES happen).

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