How can I build a 12 hour schedule , ensuring I reach 80 hours per paycheck while maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I currently am fortunate enough to be able to make my own schedule/choose what days/nights I work. I am obligated to work 3 12hr shifts/week. I can choose whatever nights those shifts are worked and pick up extra shifts day or night, any hours/times. I love having the flexibility and choice but I am generally terrible at planning and determining time management.

So I was hoping to get advice on setting up the perfect work schedule. Currently I work 12hr night shifts Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday every week. This has worked well for me so far but I'm wanting to figure out the best way to add in at least 1 more shift to ensure I get at least 80 hours on my paycheck vs 72 hours. I still hope to pick up PRN shifts but I was wanting to schedule a shift I'm guaranteed and committed to 1st. I tend to easily "over do" it with working too much/crazy hours and have learned the hard way that it's not sustainable or healthy. So I am also trying to prevent that as well. What would be the smartest way to go about this? Any input is greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Planning Shifts,

I am so glad you have this flexibility in your schedule! If only all employers understood how important it is.

I notice that you do not work on weekends, so I will include suggestions that do not include weekends. Not working weekends is great in many regards, but it does mean you will have only one day off between shifts if you work four 12s, which is brutal on the night shift. 

 I will not suggest working four 12-hour shifts in a row because it's exhausting and can affect your practice.

So, the challenges in your schedule include no weekends and working night shift. We have five days to work with, which is not much wiggle room.

No Weekends

  • Two on, one off, two on. You could work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Friday. The disadvantage is two of your three days off (Wednesday and Saturday) are spent sleeping some amount, and having only one day off when working night shift is not conducive to work-life balance. 

  • Three on, one off, one on. You could work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Again, you only have one day off between shifts, and you'll sleep on two of your three days off. 

Weekends

If you can work weekends, you will always have at least two days off at a time. It would not be a fixed schedule, although it could be, or it could be a rotating schedule. Assuming the work week starts on Sunday, here's a three-week example: 

  • The first week you work Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday 
  • The second week, you work Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, Friday
  • The third week, you work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and  Saturday.

Work one extra 12-hour shift every other week.

To help ensure work-life balance, consider adding a 12-hour shift every two weeks instead of every week. This will assist you in achieving your goal of not overworking and help prevent all-or-nothing thinking.

Here's a two-week example without weekends. However, working four 12s without weekends means only one day off between shifts.

  • The first week, you work Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. 
  • The second week, you work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

Remember, you can change your schedule at any time after you see what works for you.

Taxes

Consult with an accountant to determine the actual amount you are earning and how much of your extra shift pay is being allocated toward taxes. There are financial repercussions associated with working extra, and there is a tipping point where it may not be beneficial for you.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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