8 hour or 12 hour shifts?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I will be done with my ADN in May, and I was wondering-Are 8 hour shifts better, or are 12 hour shifts?

I recall reading that there is some US research showing an increase in accidents, drug errors, etc. on 12 hour shifts, as opposed to 8's but don't know where to look.

Specializes in ccu cardiovascular.

my schedule use to be 2- 8's and 2-12's every week, but usually on my 8's they would call me in to do OT anyways to fill in those extra hours.(i work nights) Since september i've been doing 3 twelve hour shifts(all night ), i love it, the pay is a little less, but the benefits i get with my family during the off time, i would not trade for anything. I know people still doing 5-8's nightshift(yuck), talk about poor exhaustion.

i do 14 hour shifts. At our hospital you do 8hrs (5 days) or 14 hrs. The majority do 14 hrs (3days). Very hard and tiring days

I like 12s. It seems like an 8 hour shift barely gets you started before you are finished for the day. I'm tired after a shift, whether it is 12 or 8 hours, and get little accomplished. My philosophy is to get it over in 3 days and be done for the week. I came to nursing from a desk job and I'm constantly amazed at how fast 12 hours goes by while on the floor. If I'd have had to spend 12 hours at the computer/desk, I'd have gone looney!!

i've just recently come back to floor nursing after a long stint as adon/don (at same hospital). i like 12 hour shifts, and prefer them in a row. most of the other rn's like their shifts in a row also (do them and get them over with). i agree about the 10 hour "wind down" time. i usually try and schedule a walk/snack break around my usual down time, and that helps to perk me back up. personally, i don't see how a nurse can get it all done in only 8 hours.:chuckle my biggest problem is once i get my second wind, then when i get home i can't get to sleep for awhile. i usually keep a paperback beside my bed and read a few pages to help with that. avoid the caffeine as much as possible, especially in the late part of the shift. i think 12's would be hardest on the nurse that has a long drive. i only live about 4 miles (or less) from my hospital so i don't have that problem. we have traditional 12 hour shifts 7am to 7p and then 7p to 7a. i think i would croak if i had to work midnight to 12 noon, because the last 4 hours is the busiest time of the day--and i have already been there for 8??? no thanks!:uhoh3:

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