Four 10's or Five 8's? Which would you do?

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Onc.

I've been offered a job in an oncology office and I'm ecstatic! I have a choice because they have two positions open right now....4 10-hour days a week or 5 8-hours a week. I currently do 3 12's at a hospital and I don't like it. I don't like not being available for my kids evening activities and missing church things, etc, on days that I work. I DO like having 2 days off during the week, though. It's nice having weekday time at home.

The 8 hour shifts are either 7:30 - 4:00 or 9:30 to 6:00, alternating each week. The 10 hour shifts are 7:30 - 6:00. The day off rotates through (Monday one week, Tuesday the next, etc) so that every 5th week you have a 4 day weekend! (Friday one week, Monday the next.)

What would you choose?

I think I'm leaning towards the 10's....

Specializes in Med Surg.

I would definitely go with the 4-10s. Instead of being 4 extra hours like you work now, it's only 2 extra hours and you have 3 days of instead of the 2 that you would have with 5-8s.

I'd personally go with four 10 hour shifts, but that's because it suits me. If five 8 hour shifts are more your speed, go for it.

Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

Id also do the 4 10s..though I personally prefrer the 3 12's. :p

Good Luck. Sounds like a great job.

I would go for the 4 10s personally, but 5 8s would put you on your kids' schedule. You'd be home in time to have dinner with them, do homework, and other activities before they go to bed.

ETA: I just re-read your post and noticed that you would be working until 6pm a lot even if you work 8 hr shifts. In that case... I'd go for the 10s and have the extra day off!

Specializes in Med Surg.

4 X 10 without a doubt. 10 hours isn't that much longer than eight and you get the extra day off.

Specializes in Medical Surgical & Nursing Manaagement.

No question in my mind...........four 10s

Yep, four 10's.

Specializes in geriatrics/long term care.

I currently work a 4 day 10 hour shift schedule. I found the five 8 hour schedule unmanageable. 5 days on in a row can be a bit much. I'd much rather bust my week in half. Even if I'm staying a little longer than everyone else, everyone else has to be there Mon-tues-wed-thurs- AND friday. I have always worked 4 days a week. Won't ever willingly work 5. And 12 hours is just too damn long!

Specializes in Psych, Pediatrics, GI, Diabetes.

4 10s, without a doubt in my mind, haha!! :)

Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
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