Are 12 hr shifts long and drawn out?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi all. I just started clinicals at the hospital a few weeks ago and we are there from only 6-2. We are only doing basic ADL's and observation right now but the time goes by so slow. (we are on a med surg floor, BTW) There just really is not much going on much of the time. I find myself watching the clock! :uhoh21:

We are at a fairly small hospital and so far many of the nurses on the floor have not been very receptive to us (understandably so) but those who have we have tried to learn from without intruding too much ....but there's still alot we can't do as students.

I guess my question is, as a nurse, is the 12 hour shift boring and long ?

I remember walking out of there thinking I can't believe some of them will be here til 7 or 8 at night. :uhoh21:

thanks in advance !

Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.

12 hours is a long time, but most shifts zip by. It will feel like 12 hours once you get home and embrace your exhaustion.

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im so glad to hear it isn't long and boring. I'm very sensitive to boredom, it's the reason i've left all my other jobs !

thanks for the input.

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I've always done 8 hr shifts until the last few weeks. I Like having three days off on my weekends. I spend less time commuting, and that means less gas spent also. And my commute is one hour long, one way.

Also, I notice the day shift nurses are saying the 12hrs go by fast and the night nurses say it can go slow sometimes. That's been my expericense also so far. So Thats my two cents worth

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12 hour shifts can be long days, but after working three days straight it sure is nice having the next four days off.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

I always said, "Give me 4 ten hour shifts a week, and you'd have the happiest nurse you ever had". 12 hr shifts aren't too bad though. Always lots to do in med-surg to keep one busy.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ER.

You know I simply am going to re-iterate what others have said. Since graduation, rare has been the day that I've actually felt bored (although it has happened). As for which shift is easiest... well the answer is neither. :)

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You know I simply am going to re-iterate what others have said. Since graduation, rare has been the day that I've actually felt bored (although it has happened). As for which shift is easiest... well the answer is neither. :)

I've come to the conclusion that there isn't an easy shift.

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Hi DuskTillDawn,

Believe me, when you're working at the bedside, you will wish to be as bored as you may be right now, even in a small hospital. It is quite different when you're the one actually doing the "nursing".

With regards to the 12-hour shifts, they have their pros and cons, but most of us would NEVER give them up! In fact, after you subtract the break period (you're SUPPOSED to get!), you may only be working an additional 3 hours, more or less. However, you need to understand that it truly does not matter if you're working 8 hours or 12, because the work load and the stress is there 24/7 and most times, there NEV ER seems to be enough time to get it all done. Clock? What clock? Bathroom? What bathroom? Break? What's a break??

ENJOY THIS "BORING" TIME WHILE YOU CAN AND WELCOME ABOARD!!

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There usually just isn't enough time to get it all done. On the rare occasion there is downtime on my busy medsurg unit, there is always inservices and other hospital business that must be done.

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Hi DuskTillDawn,

Believe me, when you're working at the bedside, you will wish to be as bored as you may be right now, even in a small hospital. It is quite different when you're the one actually doing the "nursing".

With regards to the 12-hour shifts, they have their pros and cons, but most of us would NEVER give them up! In fact, after you subtract the break period (you're SUPPOSED to get!), you may only be working an additional 3 hours, more or less. However, you need to understand that it truly does not matter if you're working 8 hours or 12, because the work load and the stress is there 24/7 and most times, there NEV ER seems to be enough time to get it all done. Clock? What clock? Bathroom? What bathroom? Break? What's a break??

ENJOY THIS "BORING" TIME WHILE YOU CAN AND WELCOME ABOARD!!

Psssst Sonia, FirstYear2005 asking if 12 hour shifts were boring.

Agree with the rest of your post though!!:)

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Psssst Sonia, FirstYear2005 asking if 12 hour shifts were boring.

Agree with the rest of your post though!!:)

ABSOLUTELY NOT BORING! In fact, since the nursing shortage is global, I would surprised if anyone responds to say that it is.

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There usually just isn't enough time to get it all done. On the rare occasion there is downtime on my busy medsurg unit, there is always inservices and other hospital business that must be done.

Although I love nursing, it can be difficult many times, no matter how long your shift is.

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