Rotating Schedule Suggestions

[ColleenT]

I have the option of selecting a "six weeks days, six weeks nights" rotating schedule or a "three weeks days, three weeks nights" version at my current job.

I can see the pros and cons of each (the six week rotation would be better biologically as far as sleep, insomnia, and general health, and the three week option would be more ideal for my social life and work-life balance), but I was wondering if anyone had any insight, tips, or suggestions regarding the topic. I'm having a hard time making my decision!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I've done both. Also 12 weeks days and 6 weeks nights and other iterations. In the end, it all goes to your personal preference. Some folks do great on a 6/6 rotation and others hate it. Some do fabulous on a 3/3 rotation and others hate it. If you can, try before you buy.

I worked in a unit with a six week schedule and a requirement that each schedule be 3 weeks of days and 3 weeks of nights, but rotating that frequently made me crazy. In the end, I worked nights the first 3 weeks of a schedule, and days the last three weeks. The next schedule, I worked three weeks of days and then three weeks of nights, which gave me a 6 and 6 schedule while still following all the rules of scheduling. In the end, even that much flip flopping was too much for me, and I've worked straight nights the past few years. Nights is a wonderful option for so many reasons!