8 hr. shift vs. 12 hr. shift

Ortho_RN · May 24, 2003

The hospital I work at now mainly does 8hr shifts, but some people "buddy" up and do the 12hr shifts.. They will let you work 12s as long as you have someone to cover the other 12...

There are pros and cons to both... 12hr shift = less days you have to work.. But the days you do work are shot...

8hr shifts = more days, but depending on the shift, you can still have a life on those days.. :)hehe

I will probably work 8s

armyobrn · May 24, 2003

I work 12 hour shifts and wouldn't go back to 8's for anything.I prefer the least amount of days at work. We throw in a 8 hour shift in the pay period so there is no loss of hours.

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · May 24, 2003

...12's for me! That's all we have done in the last semester of school and it's great! Especially now that I'm doing my preceptorship...and I do 2-3 a week, sometimes in a row. My body has adjusted well and I have 4 days off!!

Everyone is different, you have to decide what works for you! Another thing to consider is distance. It's nice that my commute is only 3 days/week vs. 5....

All the best:D

niteshiftnurse · May 24, 2003

I have always worked 12 hr days. If you have 8 patients and most of them are bad and or needy, you need the extra 4 hrs, just to do the paperwork. If you only work 8 hrs, I can't believe you could get done within the 8 hrs

fnimat1 · May 24, 2003

I definitely want to work 8 hr. shifts....after finishing up my A.S. degree....I want to start on my BSN......and I don't think I'll be able to work a 12 hr. shift, take care of my family and go to school at the same time.

Hugs,

Fatima

marilynmom, LPN, NP · May 24, 2003

I plan on working 12 hour night shifts. I'd rather work 3 days a week than 5, plus with night shifts you get paid more per hour and I am a night owl.

I think its something to really think about though and not take lightly. Some people just never adjust to nights (my dad never did) and some people do better (like me!). Another reason Im interested in working nights is less docs, less administration, and more pay.

Marilyn

rebel_red · May 26, 2003

I'm with Marilynmom total night owl. Work nocs now as a cna. Changing my schedule when school starts to part time on 3-11. Would love to work 12 hour days when school ends or even do the weekend baylor gig 2 16 hour shifts....

I just find it easier for me on a physical level to keep going for those extra four or eight hours than to come in four days in a row. My fourth night on is like torture for me. Luckily tonight we were way overstaffed. 70 residents 14 aides. I was the only one who agreed to "call off". Lightened work load and holiday double time pay kept everyone else firmly entrenched.

DianaZ · May 26, 2003

I work 12 hrs and we also do one 8 hr shift in a pay period to make up the hours.

I prefer the longer days which equals more days off!

babs_rn · May 26, 2003

As a FORMER student nurse (RN for 15 yrs) I've done my share of both. I would almost KILL for 5-8's a week. Only problem with the 12s is that even though you get more days off, if you've worked, say, 3-4 12's in a row then your days off are spent recovering and catching up from your days on. Not much of a life. Especially if you have a family to be concerned about.

Anyhow, good luck to you, whatever you choose!

Barb

Sarah, RNBScN · May 26, 2003

12 hour shifts are AWESOME...I worked MON - FRI days 8 hrs. and it wasn't for me.

Also, WHAT PROFESSION ARE YOU IN? Nursing has been shifts and a variety for years. We never did have BANKERS HOURS.

Shift work can be difficult but if you can balance yourself in your time/sleep/etc..it can be done and you'd most likely enjoy it.

Good luck

H ynnoD · May 26, 2003

I would like to work 4/12hr shifts a week,at night.But that is still along ways away. :eek: