Doubles

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · May 24, 2013

Don't feel bad. Doubles are tough, especially if you aren't expecting it.

chrisrn24 · May 24, 2013

I have been asked several times to do doubles (16 hours) in one day. I usually have to work the next day. I tell them no. I don't think I can handle getting home by 11:30 and waking up at 5:45 and I am still fairly new. Should I feel bad about saying no?

I can never do that...i only do 12s and that's if they are in a pinch. I work 45 minute away. By the time I get home ill only roughly 5 hours for sleep which is not enough.

CodeteamB · May 25, 2013

I used sometimes work doubles, my employer only does this if they are desperate for a particular shift and it is policy that you will be removed from the schedule for the following day (if you are on it). I would never work a 16 and then come back 8 hours later, not a safe way to practice IMO. If that is the expectation you should in no way feel bad.

nursedanny614 · May 25, 2013

Yea I told them it wouldn't be safe for the patients and I wouldn't risk my license if something were to happen because I was too tired.

Fiona59 · May 25, 2013

I refuse to do doubles. Just say "no thank you".

They are supposed to take you off the schedule for the next day but usually they don't offer unless you stand your ground.

PediLove2147, BSN, RN · May 25, 2013

Don't feel bad. I will only offer to do a double if I am not working the day after. Sometimes if it's an unexpected double they will allow you to come in at 9AM. I haven't actually had to do one in my current facility. I used to do them every week for a month 11PM-3PM at my last job (private duty) when the day nurse got hurt.

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · May 26, 2013

Singles are bad enough. Just say, "no."

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · May 26, 2013

It may be only my state, but don't they require a minimum of 8 hours between shifts?

MedChica · May 27, 2013

No, you shouldn't 'feel bad' about declining.

However, I work doubles back-to-back (WOW)...and the facility in which I work will turn around and beg me to come in to work the following Monday. LOL Most times, I'll do it. I don't mind coming in on any day from Mon- Wed. Just don't ask me to come in on Fridays. I don't like to work an 8 hour shift then jump right into a double weekend.

I *can* do it. I just don't like to.

Anyway, yeah. I pull doubles. 7a-11p and I am NOT a morning person. LOL It's not a big deal, though. When I pull a standard 8 hr shift, the time seems to zip past. "Crap, it's almost time to go home!"

It really hurts waking up at 530a on Saturday morning but come 1100p on Sunday night? I'm so relieved that I did it. I'd rather work 2 days and be off for 5 instead of the whole 'mon thru fri' business...then, turn around and have to speed through my time off during the weekend? So, doubles are a good deal.

I don't live to work. I don't like having to be at work every day.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 27, 2013

Don't feel guilty for refusing doubles. They're not for everyone.

I actually prefer them because it means more days off for me. For several years I worked two 16-hour weekend double shifts every Saturday and Sunday from 6:00am to 10:00pm. My former job paid me for 40 hours and offered full benefits, and I enjoyed having Monday through Friday off every single week.

Yes, the downfall was the fact that I only received five hours of sleep between the long shifts. However, the other perks were so worth it to me.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · May 28, 2013

Now doing doubles every weekend.

Getting up Sunday morning is rough! The shower is a huge help.

Maddingly in love with having Mon through Fri off!