Feeling overwhelmed

[J-lynn]

Hi Everyone,

I just returned to the hospital after many, many years away as registry. I am orienting on the Med-Surge floor and finding that the 12 hour shifts are just really too much for me. Wondering if just covering partial shifts is of any value to a hospital. I have seen it done once since I started. I am thinking that after orientation, I will come in when called rather than signing up for a full shift. I would offer to come in for 4-6 hours. Do you see this where you are working?

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

I've never heard of such a thing. Even casual/on call nurses are scheduled a full shift with the exception of the rare case when somebody is unexpectedly needed part way through a shift. We do however have both 8 and 12 hour shifts available which can leave some 4 hour shifts available if a 12 hour shift is filled by somebody doing an 8 hour and somebody else picking up the 4 hour. I am assuming though by your use of the term registry nurse that you are not in the US? Scheduling might be totally different where you are so I guess it sure wouldn't hurt to approach your employer about the possibility of doing this.

[J-lynn]

Thanks kbm2002. I am going to try and hang in there just to get the experience. Thanks so much for the response. Sure wish our hospitals offered 8 hour shifts on the floor. Twelve hours is just so difficult.