Facilities switching to 8 hour shifts

Published

Specializes in Critical Care.

With the current "fad" of getting rid of 12 hour shifts, does anyone work at facilities that have actually made the switch? If so, did you have a mix of 8 and 12's prior to the switch or was it just 12's. What were the results of the switch, both positive and negative?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I remember the switch TO 12 hour shifts....basically, it was just 'do it'.... I had also moved to a different facility at the time, so was going into a new place- probably easier to get used to it that way since I didn't know what the 8 hour shifts were like there....just the weekend 7p-7a 12s (Baylor plan). Then Monday - Friday off :D

There are pluses with 8 hour shifts...you actually get some rest, and have time to get some errands done. I didn't like 3-11 since I don't go to sleep right away when I got home, and by the time I got to bed, slept, by the time I woke up it was time to go to work. Days and nights were essentially interchangeable re: what time I had off.... evenings were mine. :)

When I got tired of the 12s, I moved to a different town, and did 8s again; got tired of 8s, went to work 12s.... I was fortunate. :) There are pros/cons to both...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I recall the trend to switch to 12's also, we had to do a lengthy trial, and since I worked Ortho/trauma unit then, the thinking was 12's would be too labor intensive.

It took a lot of convincing, but we finally changed over, and all the naysayers loved it actually.

I would still rather do 12's and have to work less than half the month, in essence, to make a full time salary.

Haven't seen the trend back to 8's in this area yet- Pacific NW. But, we like our outdoor activities, and the time off with 12's is a major factor in allowing that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Haven't seen anything like that in my neck of the woods either, whether military or civilian. I worked 8's though while I was on orientation and let me tell ya, if facilities go back to 8's, I'm going to be looking for some other branch of nursing to explore. I hated working 8's because they took up the whole day. Sure you have your evenings, but I was always too tired to do much of anything after I got done working and you have to be to bed early if you work the next day, so what's the point? Not to mention you can end up working 6 or 7 days in a row with 1, MAYBE 2 off inbetween. Thanks but no thanks! 12's for me all the way!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

We did switch back. we were a mix before and went to straight 8s, most people were fine with it a few left.....but a lot of other scheduling changes were made at the same time that really hurt morale.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't see the 8 hr trend here in the southeast either...there are a few..VERY few LTC's and only 2 hospitals I know of that have the 8 hr shifts. I preferred them..12 is just too long with report/drive time tacked on both ends but..you do what you have to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

i've heard buzz about it happening in the hospital were I work per diem- haven't seen any action though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have not seen any facilities switch back to 8 hr shifts either.

Maybe the powers that be remember how difficult it was dealing with staffing 3 different shifts, the disruption that 3 shift reports created, and how we never could find enough nurses for 3-11 shifts.

I once worked 5 days a week, and am quite happy with 12 hours days.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Government.

I love 8 hour shifts. I'm old and that's all I've got in me. With the average age of nurses creeping upward, it is something to take into consideration. At a recent convention in a session on aging, the presenter mentioned how 8 hour shifts were kinder to older staff. A cheer went up from the large crowd. She looked startled (this was a sedate audience) but it told me that is isn't just me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I never enjoyed 12's, those extra days turned into more sleeping time. I was always exhausted.

I did 10's when I worked in acute dialysis - - lovely.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work 8's now at a doctor's office, 9 actually. I work from 815-530 w/ an hour lunch break. I hate it. I want 12's. By the time I get home I have no evening left w/ my baby. Especially if I have to cook dinner. I miss him everyday. :crying2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Addiction / Pain Management.

Working 8's right now; it sucks. by the time I get home the day is completely shot.

I have been able to work a double which is grueling but the payoff of getting 36 hours in 2 days and having 5 days off is beautiful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion