Members are discussing the pros and cons of switching from 3 12-hour shifts to 5 8-hour shifts, with some preferring the flexibility of the shorter shifts for family time and personal activities, while others miss the longer stretches of time off. Some mention the impact on scheduling appointments and the adjustment to a new routine, with varying opinions on the benefits of each type of work schedule. Overall, the discussion highlights the different experiences and preferences of healthcare workers regarding their work hours and work-life balance.
I'm switching from inpatient 3 12 hours day shift to outpatient 5 8s M-F (8a-4:30p). I’ve never worked 5 days a week before and have only done 12 hour shifts in my two years of nursing experience. I hate working weekends and the 12 hours shifts never seem to get any easier (the day is pretty much done- going into work super early and leaving super late). On your off days you’re pretty much recovering, more pertinent for night shifters.
What are your thoughts on the M-F work and how did you adjust to it? Do you think it’s better than the 3 12s hospital job? will scheduling appointments be more difficult going from M-F? Do you feel your quality of life improve when switching to the 5 8s? I know for me while working 12 hours shifts, my eating habit is horrible, no structure, typically binge after work and snack on unhealthy food while at work. What about children and family?
Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.
For years I did five 8-hour shifts a week on 3-11. I liked it a lot because I could stay up late and sleep late. If I wasn't sleeping late I could go do various shopping/errands, meet friends for lunch, and many, many weeks I'd walk in a few parks...2 miles - 6 miles. Very relaxing to be alone in the quiet woods and amble at my own pace, but most often, close as I could figure out, I'd do about a 3-miles-an-hour pace. Then I also had plenty of time to get ready for work. 3-11's were easier to me than days, and especially easier than nights! I also preferred to work weekends and holidays (I was single) so I would be off in the middle of the week when everybody else in the world (it felt) stayed out of my way when I was out and about, because they'd all be working. It was good, and then when the 3/12's started into being, I hated them! But, I did PDN with the 3 DAY shifts, and an occasional 12 hour night shift was punishing to me!
Specializes in Oncology (Prior: Ortho-Neuro, Metabolic Surgery).
I LOVE working 12s. Sometimes I toy with the idea of working a clinic or public health job that would have me working 8s. I just don't think I would like doing it since I would much rather work my 3 12s and be done.
If you find the 8s to be troublesome, then you might just ask and see if they'd be open to you working 10 or 12 hour shifts. There might be a need for it that isn't obvious to someone new until you ask.
I enjoy my M-F schedule. Less stress. If I need a day off during the week it's almost always never a problem. Sure it's nice to work only 3 days a week but I was getting physically and mentally exhausted. I think the one downside is having to deal with traffic on the way home but whatever. The pros still outweigh the cons for me.
I have only worked 12 hour shifts for a few months. I worked 8am to 5 pm for years as an RN and then I work a 9/80 schedule right now and will soon do four 10 hour shifts.
Pros of working an 8-5 workweek or 9/80 with weekends and holidays off and a similar schedule: You will sleep at night time so your circadian rhythm will be normal. If your job respects your finish time (which was 5 pm for me), you are *finished* at that time, and will not stress about staying late to chart etc. You will have a predictable schedule which makes planning for things in your personal/ social life easier. You will have energy after work to do things like go to the gym, go for a walk, run errands, etc. Not a TON of energy, but enough energy to do a couple things, whereas with working twelves I was done after work. Most of the world works a M-F 8-4:30 or similar schedule, so hobby activities are more accessible in your free time. Things like dating and socializing with friends are easier because you most likely will have the same schedule.
Cons of working 8-5 workweek: You work 5 days a week. The end of the workweek gets tiring, and waking up early for work 5 days a week vs 3 is harder. Your schedule is the same as most of the working world's schedule, so you deal with rush hour traffic, which can make commutes painful. You also now are on the same schedule as most of the world, so you can't take advantage of having random weekdays off to do fun things that would normally be too crowded, like theme parks, or even just going to the store without long lines and bad parking, without using PTO. You can't strategically arrange your work days to get 8 days off in a row to take a vacation without using PTO.
I stopped working 12 hour shifts 25 years ago when my son was a baby. I could not stand not being with him all day. He would be in bed before I got home and then the only time I saw him was on the way to day care at 6am. I left to work M-F with weekend and holiday call only. Way better! I was able to go to all my kids’ after school events and had family meals together. Not that my kids are grown I went back to 12 hour shifts for the past 18 months and realize why I don’t like them. Yes, I get several days off in a row and can appointments during the day, but the work is exhausting! I am going to 4 9 hour shifts next week. Maybe a compromise between the two.
I know this thread is old but I have a follow up question for everyone here. How much of a pay increase would it take for you to switch to the schedule you don't prefer? At least $5? Both schedules would be dayshifts.
I know this thread is old but I have a follow up question for everyone here. How much of a pay increase would it take for you to switch to the schedule you don't prefer? At least $5? Both schedules would be dayshifts.
There's a lot of variables here. If you are going from 5/8s to 12's, is there a differential for the last 4 hours? Did you the math on the difference in pay for 36 and 40 hours? I wouldn't expect anything. Ask what they are willing to pay for the switch.
No Stars In My Eyes
5,635 Posts
For years I did five 8-hour shifts a week on 3-11. I liked it a lot because I could stay up late and sleep late. If I wasn't sleeping late I could go do various shopping/errands, meet friends for lunch, and many, many weeks I'd walk in a few parks...2 miles - 6 miles. Very relaxing to be alone in the quiet woods and amble at my own pace, but most often, close as I could figure out, I'd do about a 3-miles-an-hour pace. Then I also had plenty of time to get ready for work. 3-11's were easier to me than days, and especially easier than nights! I also preferred to work weekends and holidays (I was single) so I would be off in the middle of the week when everybody else in the world (it felt) stayed out of my way when I was out and about, because they'd all be working. It was good, and then when the 3/12's started into being, I hated them! But, I did PDN with the 3 DAY shifts, and an occasional 12 hour night shift was punishing to me!