Which do you think is better?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.

Right now I work two on, two off, four on, six off and really really like it...the two gets me warmed up, the four gets me in a rhythm and who can complain about six off???Good luck...

bigred

55 Posts

As with Zoeboboey, I too have worked nights most of my nursing career. It has been many years since I worked 12 hr shifts, but when I did, I could manage 3 just fine. Four 12 hour nights was pushing it. As some of the others have mentioned, you will learn what suits you best. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your night shifts!

Specializes in Telemetry, Case Management.

When my kids were in elementary school, I worked 3 on, 1 off, 3 on, and had a week off every schedule.

Kids knew that mommy would be available when they got up in the am, and to feed them supper every night. They also knew that during the daytime if there were any crises to call daddy or auntie! I also worked for a place where I could take off and run home (5 min. away) if something came up.

This worked well for me for several years, and came in especially handy when my oldest boy had a ruptured appendix, it happened during my last shift of the week, and had all week off to sit in the hospital with him.

I worked this schedule at the same place after I went to days. This was when I was younger, nowadays I don't think I would have the energy to do it.

mattsmom81

4,516 Posts

While it is nice to do the 3 12's altogether and be done for the week, I am one of the few who needs to alternate. I nap for 4 hrs AFTER my shift (don't sleep before I go in) and sleep normally the nights I don't work. I'm a zombie any other way...LOL!. But I hate the atmosphere on days, so I have worked things out.

Everybody is different, Peaceful...it will take you awhile to figure things out and match it to your lifestyle, kiddos, etc. but it can be done. You may feel out of sorts for awhile on nights ...we all did...but most of us who prefer nights find something we can live with in time. :)

Specializes in Interventional Pain Mgmt NP; Prior ICU and L/D RN.

If it is 12hr shifts do them all in a row or work a track.....

I choose to work a track (we have self scheduling)...so I work

Mon, Tues, off Wed/Thurs..work Fri, Sat, Sun...Off Mon Tues, etc..

I used to do 4 in a row have days off then do 3 in a row. I could arrange my schedule to have 7 days off and still work my required 7 nights in 2 weeks....

Working 1 on 1 off, whatever, really, REALLY screws the body UP!!

You never really have a day off.....

The most I have ever done is 9 12 hour shifts in a row!! After that it was like...yea bring them on,,,whatever!!! I'm half dead now:):):) LOL!!

You will find a comfort zone of your own...I choose the track now b/c it gives my family more of a "work schedule" that they can remember:D

Don't let them do you a screwy schedule...no one will be able to be around you b/c you will be miserable!!!

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