12 Hour Shifts v. 8 Hour Shifts - When did it all change?

Jill - Pa · Feb 2, 2004

Why I work 12-hour shifts:

I like stretches of days on and then stretches of days off. If I schedule it right, I can have off for 6, 7, or 8 days in a row.

With working days in a row, the continuity of care is at optimal levels. I feel like I'm the best nurse I can be when I've cared for a patient for half of their hospital stay.

You are right about it being a balancing act. Planning is key. I plan meals ahead of time, delegate tasks around the house, study on days off...basically, one must use days off time wisely.

Where I work, 12-hour people work 3 12's per week for three weeks then 4 12's that fourth week (8 hours that fourth is overtime, so the money works out).

Lastly, I've had several older nurses say to me: "Do 12 hour shifts when you are young because your body can't take it when you are older."

Jill (Pa)

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 2, 2004

I'm one of the few nurses at my hospital who work 8-hour shifts, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I tried the 12's for about six months and thought I was gonna die. Maybe it's because I was older when I started out in nursing and had never gotten used to working those long shifts.......all I know is, on most nights I was too exhausted (and my back and my feet were too painful) by about five AM that I hardly cared whether the patients lived or died, and THAT'S no attitude to have!! So I got my doctor to write my nurse-manager a note stating my arthritis made 8-hour shifts a necessity, and even though I'm in better condition now, I'd never go back to 12's.

live4today, RN · Feb 2, 2004

I've worked 12's in order to have more days off. I would work three 12 hour dayshifts a week, and that worked out just fine for me, and I'm 52. :)

What I don't do anymore is nightshift because I'm on a medication that is only to be taken at bedtime, and it is a scheduled med, so that means "take pill...go to bed for the night".........not stay up all night.

Up until this past year, I never minded doing any shift, but I wasn't on that particular medication during my previous years working as a nurse.

One thing I will never do though is work more than three 12s a week. That would kill me for sure.

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Feb 2, 2004

I just left a position where I was working 12-hour night shifts. On my days off, which were 3 per week, I would sleep half the time to catch up. I was missing my kids games in the evening and felt totally diconnected from life.

I tried the 12-hours on day shift and simply could not balance home and work, it was very difficult, not to mention the childcare issue. I am a single father and had to arrange childcare for days and nights.

I am scheduled to start my new position on the 9th ... the hours are 7:30AM to 4PM ..... I am thrilled with the hours and know it will be much better for my life.

I wonder though, with the nursing shortage the way it is, aren't employers cutting off their nose despite their face when they only allow 12-hour shifts? I am sure there are plenty of people that are in my same situation and would have a terrible time with child care as well as balancing family and work. Given that our profession is dominated by women, I would have thought this to be a bigger issue than it is.

Thanks for everyone's replies. :confused:

allele, LPN · Feb 2, 2004

I work 12 hour days and love it!! I like having the four days off a week. I did rotating for a while, but the nights killed me. Couldn't get enough rest! But I fell into a 12 hour day position and don't plan to give it up until I have to!! LOL As far as losing hours, the facility that I work in doesn't even hire people to work 40 hour weeks anymore. They get hired for "32 hours, flex to 40". Less overtime to pay for that way, I believe. So for me, working the 12 hour shifts gets me 4 more hours a week, and more days off!! :)

lsyorke, RN · Feb 2, 2004

I work only 8 hour shifts. By the end of 8 hours I'm cooked!!!! Then again I'm an "old"nurse. In my opinion you see the faster burnout with the younger nurses working 12 hour shifts. Patient care wise I don't see any additional continuity since 90% of the time they are re-splitting the assignment at 3pm so everyone changes a large number of their patient.

8 hours for me!!!

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Feb 2, 2004

The worst part of my day is getting out of bed, and getting the initial assessments done, so as long as I am at work I would prfer to stay for the 12h, even if it means I needs to rest for my first day off.

zacarias, ASN, RN · Feb 2, 2004

Patrick,

I understand what you mean about 12 and 8 hour shifts. I am a fairly new RN (seven months) my job is mostly 12 hour shifts. I oriented the first six weeks with 8 hour shifts and while it was OK, I longed for 12 hour shifts. When 12 hour shifts finally came I felt the weight of the last four hours and how REALLY long the days had become. Now every couple weeks when I work an 8, I feel like I have a field day! :)

So, while I don't hate 12 hours, I prefer 8, but I just can't fathom working five days a week as a nurse.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2004

There's advantages and disadvantages to working all shifts. I enjoyed working 8 hours and having my evenings free for going to work at 11. But I also like having 4 days off.

I think management likes 12 hour shifts because it's easier to schedule two people instead of 3. Also it makes it easier to get people to do overtime, when they are going to have 3 days off even if the work an extra day.

Paige Turner RN · Feb 2, 2004

12 hour shifts and kids don't mix...................your children will grow and be gone before you know it......................your time with them is most important, never let work cause you to miss time with your children, if it is at all possible. I realize that for some this is not an option, and for them I am truly sorry............there is lots of time to work and make money after your children leave home. Mine are grown and gone and now so I work 12 hour nights, and spend the extra money on my grandkids :)

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Feb 2, 2004

Originally posted by Paige Turner RN
12 hour shifts and kids don't mix...................your children will grow and be gone before you know it......................your time with them is most important, never let work cause you to miss time with your children, if it is at all possible. I realize that for some this is not an option, and for them I am truly sorry............there is lots of time to work and make money after your children leave home. Mine are grown and gone and now so I work 12 hour nights, and spend the extra money on my grandkids :)

Good advice ... I feel the same way and that is why I have searched for a schedule that will meet my needs. :)

I think the biggest challenge I have had with the 12-hours is trying to balance my kids after school activities. All three of them are involved in one thing or another. My son asked me to coach his basketball team this year, and I could not do it because of my crazy "nursing" schedule. He went so far as to tell me that I needed to get another job that would allow me to spend time with him. Out of the mouth of babes .... so that is exactly what I did! Hopefully, I will be able to coach his football team this year!