How many consecutive 12-hour shifts do you consider safe?

[09NewGrad]

When I was in school I always thought that two consecutive 12-hour shifts was the most I ever wanted to do because I always felt so worn out doing 12 hour shifts doing my preceptorship my senior year.

At my current job that I started in October, they have me doing three 12-hour shifts in a row, I get one night off in between, then I do three more 12-hour shifts in a row, I get a week off, and then I repeat the process all over again. I am getting worn out, burned out, and the week off isn't worth the LONG week of work. It doesn't feel safe and I get so extremely exhausted, especially on the 6th 12 hour shift. I finally talked to my manager about it and she said she would see what she can do about my schedule, but nothing has happened yet.

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

I love working 12's and I don't mind at all working them back to back. When I graduate I'm going to ask for three in a row Fri Sat Sun because the "schedule me anytime" just drives me NUTS!

[50caliber]

I have worked 6 12's in a row before. Its not too bad but the hardest thing is to prepare your mind for it. Plus, having 8 days off is quite nice.

[RunningRNBSN]

I am young and personally hate working 3 12's in a row; however, I don't feel I am unsafe as a nurse. I have worked 7 or 8 in a row and although I was exhausted, I don't think I was unsafe.

I work with a nurse in her early 60's and she tries picking up everyday overtime. During our busy seasons, I have watched her do FOUR weeks (an entire MONTH) in a row with no days off.. no exaggeration. I don't know how she does it!

[ItsTheDude]

really any number of 12 hour shifts is safe, it's a matter of wanting a life outside of work (burnout) that draws the line me, not to mention most employers are going to draw the line as well, few are going to let someone work seven 12 hours shifts a week (84 hrs), crazy OT.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I'm surprised in this day of "cover your butt because people will sue for any reason (or even no reason at all)" that hospitals would even WANT their staff to work six 12s in seven days. Seems like they're just asking for a mistake to happen!

I don't think any hospital would say they "want" it. However, in this day when alot of hospitals, at least in my area, are still freezing hires, managers are encouraging the staff they do have to work overtime. We aren't mandated, and for those that can handle it, it's good money.

[traveler85]

Do whatever you feel is safe.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

When I was in school I always thought that two consecutive 12-hour shifts was the most I ever wanted to do because I always felt so worn out doing 12 hour shifts doing my preceptorship my senior year.

At my current job that I started in October, they have me doing three 12-hour shifts in a row, I get one night off in between, then I do three more 12-hour shifts in a row, I get a week off, and then I repeat the process all over again. I am getting worn out, burned out, and the week off isn't worth the LONG week of work. It doesn't feel safe and I get so extremely exhausted, especially on the 6th 12 hour shift. I finally talked to my manager about it and she said she would see what she can do about my schedule, but nothing has happened yet.

you need more time in between if you're going to do 3 in a row. I can only do two 12's, then I need time off - at least a day or two. Good luck.

[dscrn]

Guilt trips don't usually help when someone is struggling with their own tough situation.

As for how many twelves in a row are safe, that's a highly individual answer. A lot depends on how many other responsibilities you carry.

Some people choose to bull through a year of working crazy hours to save for a down payment on a house or pay off student loans. To do that successfully, I'd recommend being single and childless or having one heck of an understanding spouse.

Others recognize that they aren't built to withstand that kind of stress and limit the number of hours and days in a row to something that won't make their heads fly off.

An important fact that you pointed out is that it isn't only the hours you work that matter, but the time it takes you to recover afterward. If you need two days to catch up to yourself and another day to gear up to go through the meat grinder again, you don't have seven real days off, you have four.

Are they doing this to others on your unit? Maybe you can coordinate with someone else to split the days better.

unless you literally are going to do NOTHING other than sleep and work, I'd say anything over 3 in a row is pushing it...

[lkwashington]

I have worked every weekend for almost 2 1/2 years until last month. I have worked sat, sun, and mon and sometimes I switch it up. I loved my three 12's in a row. I enjoyed my days off also. Now at work if you do 5 12's in a row we call that a SUICIDE. Its tough. Now sometimes I feel on the first night and sometimes I feel it on the last night. It also depends on your patient load and the acuity. Just a thought.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Prior of getting into management, I consider performing double shift's one day if my relief didn't show or I scheduled this ahead of time. However, this is an individual subject, although when you're working double shifts in a row you're not only placing yourself in danger but the patient as well. In addition, this is when ERRORS do occur:crying2: & trust me there's no money in the world that is worth losing your license,or placing another human in jeopardy:redbeathe

[Annisme]

Personally, I have worked 10 in a row, 12 hr. nights in the ER. Didn't feel unsafe... I do have that extremely supportive husband (cooks, washes scrubs...Mr. Perfect:redbeathe) and have no problem sleeping during the day. I would have a hard time working that many day shifts.

[Fngrpntsnotasin]

Oh gosh, just finished 5 12s with a day off then 2 12s now i got four days off...To me its worth it to have a longer period off...