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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! :)
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.
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.
Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.
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
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.
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.
luvmy2angels
755 Posts
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.