5 8 hr shift vs 2-3 12 hr shift

[ahrajo1458]

Hi, nurses!

I can't decide what to choose.

I am a new grad and got offers from two hospitals.

One from telemetry unit, 8 hour evening shift (3p-11p)and 5 days a week (not in a row).

The other from med surg unit, 12 hour night shift and 7 day work for 2 weeks. (3 day work, 3 day off, 2 day work, 2 day off)

My preference?

I prefer to work 12 hr shift because of more off days. Five 8 hr shift seems like everyday work for me.

Also, the med surg (12hr shift)gross pay is slightly higher (about $20)because of overtime and night shift pay, but not much difference because telemetry unit has higher baseline.

However, I eventually want to work at ICU, so tele may be more helpful for my future career(?).

Both seems to have good co-workers.

My question?

1. What would you choose based on this information?

2. Nursing career-wise, is there a lot difference between tele and med-surg?

3. Even though the baseline pay has about 5 dollar difference, after calculating overtime, the hourly rate will be same. Still will you guys consider that you got same pay? Or, you feel like you got less hourly rate?

Please give me helpful comments based on your experiences!!

Thank you!

[RNperdiem, RN]

Personally, I would go for the 12 hour shift job. I have worked 3-11 in the past and found it to be very socially isolating. For my single coworkers, they were not available for the after work evening socializing a lot of the time. For people with spouses with daytime jobs and kids in school, days can go by barely seeing them.

[nynursey_]

I can tell you from personal experience that 5 8-hour shifts is not your best option, particularly if you're mandated for an every-other-weekend option, and mandatory holidays.

I'll give you an example:

I work 5 8-hour shifts on a unit that requires that I work every other weekend (I was given the option for every third weekend so I often take that) with a work week that begins on a Sunday and mandated holiday time for every other major holiday. That means that if it is *my* weekend on, I am working SIX days in a week (theoretically in a 7-day work week) rather than 4 or 5. I may do a Saturday, Sunday, Monday (off Tuesday), Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (and even sometimes Friday the week before). When it isn't my weekend, I'm there Monday - Friday (which isn't too bad). I'd much rather have consecutive 12-hour shifts back to back with more time off in a lump sum than work as I do now. Additionally, doing ALL of the inpatient responsibilities of dayshift in 8-hours is sometimes damn near impossible.

Stick to 12's if you have the option.

[Libby1987]

For getting a year's experience in order to advance, I'd go for the 3-11 schedule on tele because nights messed me up in everyway. You'll still see a lot of medical on tele with chronic illness and comorbidities being so prevalent. Plus mornings and early afternoons to do a lot of the things I like to do. And I'm not exhausted on my days off after working only 8 hrs, no catch up time needed so even a single day off can be enjoyed and productive.

[Xlorgguss]

I'm still in school but I personally feel like I would want 12 hour shifts. Will you be graduating with an ADN or BSN? 12 hour shifts will offer the most time to continue your education if desired. Then again it's all up to you and your body. Have you done 12 hours before? Have you done nights?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I started my career on the 3 to 11pm shift and wouldn't want to work that type of schedule again unless I needed to avoid impending homelessness. Working that many shifts in a week caused me to feel as if I was always at work.

In addition, you see more annoying families on 3 to 11. Physicians are still rounding and wanting things to be done NOW. Last but not least, the 3 to 11 shift is the time period in which the lion's share of new admissions arrive.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

The salary difference is minimal. The shift preference is totally individual. You did not mention family obligations.

Three 12 hour night shifts is actually 4 shifts, you will need time to sleep before and after. I bow to any that can work nights.. it messed me up completely. I happen to love afternoon shift. I can sleep until I want to get up, stay up as late as I want, and have time in the morning to take care of business.

Telemetry experience will teach you an additional set of skills that hones your critical thinking. The skills ICU is looking for.

Best of luck with your decision, let us know how it's going.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I would take the 3-11 tele. Rotating shifts kill... Literally. Plus cardiac monitoring experience is helpful if you want to go into ICU. The pay difference is minimal and you can always work a 12hr shift here and there for extra income.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I loved the 3-11 shift, that is the time I am most awake, but I missed having time with my family and my job was a very long drive. Now I have a long drive (not as long) but only work 3 days a week with the 12 hour shifts. I love working 3 days a week. I get to more things with my kids (and I am in school). I would not go back to the 3-11. No one can tell you what is best for you :) Good luck with whatever you choose.