How long after your 3, 12 hour shifts do you feel rested?

Published

Do you usually have a day that you just lay around and do nothing? Ha, I was wondering that. I know that at some point, that has to take a toll on your body. And honestly, after working that hard, you deserve to have a couple of lazy days.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in adult ICU.

I have two small children, three dogs, a house to maintain, a husband that works 60+ hours/week, and I'm a part time grad student. I don't have the luxury of taking a day or two off after my 3-12s (and yes, I work FT -- 6 12's and 1 8 hour shift per two week pay period.) I also need to sleep somewhere in there! Whether I "deserve" a day off or not doesn't really matter, because there is no way I'm getting it.

I also work days, though. 3-12s on days doesn't kill me -- I've been doing this type of schedule for more than 10 years. 3-12s on nights is a completely different story. I would NEVER be able to go back to nights, I don't think. I actually pop out of bed on my next day off at 7 or 8 and feel just fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work 3 12 overnight and I feel rested the day after I sleep at night, I stay up the day that I am off. I also work 6 12s and 1 8 for a total of 40 hour weeks. I have 2 children an infant and a 3rd grader a house to take care of and a husband who works out of the house for his web-based business. I feel like I work more when I did 5 8s a week because every day you have to plan your work day. Different strokes for different folks :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't like working three 12s in a row because I'm so tired and unmotivated on that first day off! I prefer to break up my shifts.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

I work three to six in a row, 12 hour night shifts.. I'm still up at 2am... I don't flip. my kids are older,son woke me at 10 am to watch a movie.. i then took a nap after.... husband wanted me to go out at night... and I laughed because it was breaakfast time... tomorrow I'll do that with him because i have to, today after 4 12 hour shifts, it's all about me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I don't know. I'll let you know when I finally feel rested.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Burn, CCU, CTICU, Trauma, SICU, MICU.

I never work 3 in a row, but even after 2 in a row - I need to be left *alone* for at least 6 hours after I get off work just to unwind and then a solid 10 hours of sleep. haha I have no idea how people with kids can do it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, ER.

Some weeks are better than others. I work 3 12hr shifts 7P-7A after my last night I always feel cheated a day because I have to sleep then I will need to sleep that night also to get back on a day time schedule that only lasts 3 days

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

I do 3 consecutive 12 hour night shifts. I do nothing but laze around the house

on my first day off. No errands, no housework, no nothing. I deserve at least

one day of rest!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in tele and stroke.

I used to do 3 12 hour night shifts..tried all different arrangements of shifts to see what worked best. Usually ended up do 3 in a row twice a month and then the other weeks breaking them up.

It would take me days to feel rested. The next day I like to use the term "Zombie" b/c that is how you feel..totally out of it and want to sleep all day. It stinks.

I do every weekend nights now...Monday is a total wash out b/c I sleep and then even when I wake I am still tired....but then that night I can't go to sleep. So messed up. Just gotta keep going. Try to sleep when you can.....and coffee.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I do anywhere from 3-6 12hr 7p shifts in a row (between my real job and agency job) I don't have time for a day of "rest" as I am a full time graduate student also. It takes me about 24 hours to recover but even during that 24 hours...I am at starbucks, panera bread, or the library with my nose in the books.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A day. But as I grow older it is getting to be more like a day and a half. Have you ever thought how much time we give up to work these 12 hour shifts? It definitely affects quality of life. :zzzzz

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion