Eight or Twelve Hour Shifts

[outcomesfirst]

If you are a nurse (RN/LPN/NA) currently employed in an acute care environment, please participate by selecting one answer that describes you best:

I prefer 8 hour shifts and I have no nursing experience

I prefer 12 hour shifts and I have no nursing experience

I prefer 8 hour shifts and I have 5 or less years experience

I prefer 12 hour shifts and I have 5 or less years experience

I prefer 8 hour shifts and I have at least 5 - 10 years experience

I prefer 12 hour shifts and I have at least 5 - 10 years experience

I prefer 8 hour shifts and I have 10 - 20 years experience

I prefer 12 hour shifts and I have 10 - 20 years experience

I prefer 8 hour shifts and I have more than 20 years experience

I prefer 12 hour shifts and I have more than 20 years experience

[S.T.A.C.E.Y, LPN]

When I was new, I worked 6 -12s in a row just to get extra time off in a row to travel out of town

I used to do this in my last job! I loved it 'cause I could take off on a pretty good vacation every two weeks! Ohhhh, that was a sweet schedule. Hopefully when I'm working as an RN (still a student now) I'll be able to handle (and get) a schedule like that at some point--while I'm still young.

[outcomesfirst, BSN, RN]

Thanks for all the great comments, keep them coming! Please vote if you are reviewing this poll. There is a greater purpose here, that I will share with all when the time is right. I really appreciate your time and input. YOU are valued! Thank You and Happy Holidays!

[hica19]

I am still a new grad nurse (been working as a RN for 2 months). I really like the 12 hour shifts. It's only 4 hours longer than a 8 hour, but you get an extra day off. I've also done 8 hours before as a student nurse (final semester preceptorship). Whatever type of shift you have, you always will have good days and bad days.

[JRapha'sRN]

I love working 12s. I only have to work 3 days in a week and if I want to pick up more, it's easier to get overtime (since I have 4 more days in the week to do it!) I'm pregnant now and will probably try to find someone to split shifts with for a while after maternity leave, especially while pumping.

[redem2]

I used to work 8, 12, even 16 if needed but that was when I was younger. Before my MLOA I was on 12 and been miserable. I worked 2

days a week split then. I can't imagine how my body could do 12's when I come back. It sure takes a toll on the body after all these 34 years.

[outcomesfirst, BSN, RN]

Yahoo! Almost 200 votes!!!!! Great Comments - Keep'em coming!

[CHATSDALE]

i have worked 8.12,16 i like the days off...when working weekend option i really enjoyed being off..some of the other nurses had weekday jobs, but that is just too much, for me anyway

work what you are comfortable with..everyone has to make their own decisions based on health, family, shifts available etc

[Leselberry]

While I have no experience right now, I will be starting 12s as a CNA in January. I am still going to school to become an RN, so I don't know how this is going to work. I was hoping to get 8s, but 12s is what I got. Hopefully, it won't be too painful.

[wjf00]

I would never take a 12 hour position. I WORK 12 hour shifts often, but because I am an 8 hour postion, my last 4 hours are OT. I am not sure where all the people who are working 12 hour shifts are from, but in CA overtime after 8 hours is state law. So 12 hour nurses must waive their right to OT. Giving back my OT rights makes no sense to me, OT is practically guaranteed as most everyday I am asked to work over. Why work for $56/hr when I can work for $84/hr, or I can just say no thanks and go home if I am not up to it.

[grammyr]

I will only work 12's and I have 7 years experience

[outcomesfirst, BSN, RN]

:pumpiron: Yahoo - past 200! You guys are terrific!!!!!!!!!!

[Chaya, ASN, RN]

My choice is not listed. I would prefer 2 8's and 2 12's (=40 hr) and have 5-10 yrs exp.