Are 12 hr shifts long and drawn out? - page 2

1. 
   Nov 2, '05

   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. :hatparty:
2. 
   Nov 3, '05

   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
3. 
   Nov 3, '05

   12 hour shifts can be long days, but after working three days straight it sure is nice having the next four days off.
4. 
   Nov 3, '05

   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.
5. 
   Nov 3, '05

   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.
6. 
   Nov 3, '05

   Quote from bluesky

   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.
7. 
   Nov 4, '05

   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!!
8. 
   Nov 4, '05

   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.
9. 
   Nov 4, '05

   Quote from SoniaNurseRep

   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!!
10. 
    Nov 4, '05

    Quote from DusktilDawn

    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.
11. 
    Nov 4, '05

    Quote from TeriSexton

    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.
12. 
    Nov 4, '05

    Are 12-hour shifts long and drawn out? I've done four-hour fills that were "long" and drawn out...
    
    I am happy that we have 'web enabled computers at our patients bedsides...so, if I catch a little down time...I can surf, surf, surf away...
    
    Steven King
    The Kingster
    http://www.myspace.com/loverofeagles
13. 
    Nov 4, '05

    OK, just a comment here. I am just a unit secretary, but I have seen my nurses run their butts off all 12 hours without a break! I work night shift in an APCU at a large county hospital, and between regular patient care and admits all night long, we rarely have downtime. On the occasions that we do, and all the charting is done, etc., I, along with several of the RN's and a couple LPN's and PCT's that are going to school, utilize the time by studying for our classes. Sometimes it's the only study time we get in a day, because when we're not working, we're in class or trying to catch up on some much-neglected sleep!!!

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