How Many Days Do You Work?

[RainDreamer]

The last 2 months I've had didactics, so I've been in class 1 day, and then working my other 2 on the unit, each week. But this was the last week of didactics and now I'll be starting to work my regular 3 days on the unit.

I'm trying to get an idea of what kind of schedule I want. While I was on orientation I worked my preceptor's schedule ... 3 days, in a row, each week. I'm full-time, so I do 3 days a week, but I just absolutely HATE doing 3 days in a row. I know most people, especially on night shift, LOVE working their 3 all in a row. So maybe I'm just weird or a wimp .... but I hate doing them in a row. And I'm a nightowl anyway ...... I don't stay up all night on my nights off, but I don't switch to a day schedule either and get up at the crack of dawn. So it's really no problem for me adjusting to a night schedule if my week is split up.

We do self-scheduling, so this month I tried to schedule myself 2 on, with 2 or 3 off, then 2 on, 2 or 3 off, etc. Does anyone else do this?

What kind of schedules are you guys working? Do you do your 3 in a row? Do you split it up? Do you ever pick up extra shifts and work 3+ days a week? I'm just curious as to what everyone else is doing.

[luvmy2angels]

I work 8 days in a 2 week period. I don't care what days I am scheduled. Some times I work 4 days on a row, some times i work 2 and have off 3. Whenever they need me is when I work.

[K98]

Two 12s, two 8s per week. The 12s can be a little tiring on the SICU, but they make the 8s seem like a half day.

[Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Can someone explain exactly what the Baylor Plan means? There is a hospital near me that has a 7 days on (M-F 8 hours shifts and then Sat/Sun 12 hours) and then 7 days off. I was told that was the Baylor Plan.....for a newbie - I'm confused.

[anc33]

The "Baylor Plan" involves working 2 12-hour shifts on Sat and Sun and being paid for 36 hrs or full time. Not very common these days with more hospitals going to rotating shifts.

[RainDreamer, BSN, RN]

At my hospital, the Baylor weekend program works a bit different. They don't work just 2 days on the weekend and get paid for 40. They work 3 days (Fri., Sat., and Sun.) and they get time and a half for all hours worked.

[Hoozdo, ADN]

i am so envious. I was just thinking about this as I am making out my next schedule. We self schedule too.

I am full time, 40h/week but they WONT LET NEW NURSES DO 12's until six months. I have only been working since June.

They seem to think it will burn them out quicker.

I'll tell ya, working 3 or 4 days in a row, and then only one day off, and then another 3 or 4 in a row, is burning me out far quicker than would a 12, followed by an 8, followed by a couple days off. I am totally exhausted. We have to work e/o weekend, and at least one friday during each schedule. I manage to get about one whole weekend off a schedule, because there is usually something going on at some point outside of work that I have to not schedule myself for (kids events etc). The week runs from sunday thru saturday and its just hard to figure it out.

I am older, not used to working full time and just having a hard time with it. My days are closer to 9 hours sometimes, since I am still a little slow on getting new pts charts together, orders etc. I do love the evening shift, that is the best part of the entire scheduling fiasco; but I can't stand having to be there 5 days out of 7.

You all who get the 12 hour shifts are so lucky.

OK, Coopergirl....so far you are the only one with a funkier schedule than me. We have self scheduling, but my schedule sucks due to these facts:

- 12 hour days, but 40 hour work week so I have to work an 8 every two weeks.

- Every other weekend is required, so you don't have a lot of space for contiguous days off

I typically work four 12 hour shift in a row, have 2 days off, then work 3 days in a row, have 2 days off........blah blah blah.

I would like to work 3 regular 12s in a row, even if it means every weekend, and have the same days off every week! The 8 hour day every two weeks really throws a monkey wrench into the works.

[MIA-RN1, RN]

OK, Coopergirl....so far you are the only one with a funkier schedule than me. We have self scheduling, but my schedule sucks due to these facts:

- 12 hour days, but 40 hour work week so I have to work an 8 every two weeks.

- Every other weekend is required, so you don't have a lot of space for contiguous days off

I typically work four 12 hour shift in a row, have 2 days off, then work 3 days in a row, have 2 days off........blah blah blah.

I would like to work 3 regular 12s in a row, even if it means every weekend, and have the same days off every week! The 8 hour day every two weeks really throws a monkey wrench into the works.

Yeah I guess they should tell us more about the crazy schedules in nursing school orientation lol. I am planning to meet with my NE and talk to her about this because I don't want to be this stressed for another few months.

Our weekend committment is four weekend shifts per scheduling block, and one of them has to be a Sat/Sun right next to each other. I actually like working the weekends, because I see my kids more that way and I like the weekend atmosphere at the hospital, but it makes it hard to get a couple days off in a row during the week. I have worked out a three days on, one day off, four days on, two days off kind of schedule for this next block and I'll see how it goes.

I couldn't do three 12's in a row, I know that my feet and head would quite possibly explode! :)

[smilin_gp]

I have a similar schedule to Hoozdo I think. 3 12's in a row the first week of the pay period, then 3 12's and an 8 all in a row the second week. Every other weekend is mandatory- which I don't mind because of the differential. 1900- 0730 shift, which I actually prefer to day shift so far.

[Hoozdo, ADN]

I have a similar schedule to Hoozdo I think. 3 12's in a row the first week of the pay period, then 3 12's and an 8 all in a row the second week. Every other weekend is mandatory- which I don't mind because of the differential. 1900- 0730 shift, which I actually prefer to day shift so far.

Yup, yup. Sometimes I just ache for more contiguous days off though! My weekend differential is 25%.......I say bring it on, I will work every weekend if they let me - but they won't.

My shift is 11:30 AM to midnight. I like that shift because it is my body's own natural cycle. No getting up early, no staying up ALL NIGHT.

[babynurselsa, RN]

I think my longest stretch was 17 night shifts in a row. I don't ever want to do it again thought. I have done many 12-14 day stretches. I hope to never be in debt so far again that I feel the need to work that much.

I don't think my body or my sanity could hold up. Guess I am getting old.....lol

[mitchsmom]

I work 7-7 days, I alternate three 12's one week and four 12's the next. Occasionally I have 3 in a row but not always. I don't like 3 in a row - too long without seeing my kids and my house is way destroyed by then so it's really like 4 days by the time I "work" all day on that first day off catching up the house.

I really wanted all 3 day weeks and understood that I could do that when I was hired... but now that I'm there my schedule has the alternating thing... I'm letting it go for now because it essentially gives me more orientation time... but after orientation I may ask for all 3 day weeks, we'll see. We are chronically short on staff, as I'm sure many of you are too.

I really wanted part-time but they wouldn't hire me (as a new grad) part-time. It works out better in the end though because I'll be able to move on to my master's sooner this way. :)

I'm just thankful I was able to get days!! Kudos to you who do nights, I don't think I could do it.

[grinnurse, RN]

I am on self scheduling so I usually try to work3-4 days a week-depending on my financial needs at the time. Usually will work 3 in a row then 1. Although this week I scheduled my self for 5:uhoh21: . I like working the 3s as long as I have a couple of days off in a row after it.