Is it much harder working 3 12hr overnight shifts? Should I stick to only working 2?

[Ssss94]

I’m a brand RN and I just accepted my first job offer. I start orientation/ training on 4/18. I’ll be training around 32 hrs a week on day and evening shifts. When I’m done training I’ll be working two 12 hour overnight shifts a week. My HR rep called me on Friday and asked if I would like to bump my schedule up to 3 overnights a week(36 hrs a week with every third weekend). If I work the extra day I’ll be considered full time (better benefits) and a larger sign on bonus. I told her that I’ll discuss everything with my family and get back to her. After talking to my friends and family everyone’s like “one more shift won’t hurt”. Problem is I have 3 young kids and I haven’t worked more than 24hrs in years. Should I just accept the extra shift? How is it working 3 overnights with young kids? Will one more shift be horrible? We have help. My mother and mother-in-law will watch the kids for a few hrs after my shifts so I can rest. 

[Nvr2Lte]

It sounds like you have a good support system should you decide to work an extra shift. I worked part-time for 2 years (Fri & Sat, 12hr shifts) working as a PCT while in nursing school. It was challenging because I also have a family, but my husband was there to support me. It would have been nicer if we had family that lives closer to us, but we don't. Anyway, I had to transition full-time when I became an RN, and I honestly believe that time management/advance planning was essential to making everything work in our household. My work schedule was assigned in advance, so it enabled me and my husband to strategize like he's working from home on days or nights that I work so he can drop/pick up the kids to/from school. I also try to plan appointments, etc. during my time off. There are definitely benefits to working full-time, I guess it all depends on what matters to you and your family. You can also look at it this way, you still have 4 days out of 7 to be with them if you decided to work 3. 

 

[HiddenAngels]

It depends on you and your stamina/schedule.  Can you give them your answer after you've experienced working the 2 twelves at night and see how it feels for you?  

[No Stars In My Eyes]

After three 12's you will feel more like sleeping rather than 'resting'. The third 12 can be a bear, but if you can power through, the FT status and bene's are good. Will you work the same nights or is it a schedule that slides around with different nights? I'd rather do the three in a row to get it over with. After the third shift, on the fourth day you will need time for recuperation. Good luck!

[kp2016]

I would be very careful of sign on bonuses. They normally come with more strings than they are worth. 

I have done full time nights and loved it, but I had almost no commute and didn't have children at the time. Night shift is one of those shifts that is perfect for some people and close to impossible for others for multiple different reasons. I would start with the 2 shifts and pick up extra shifts if and when you know you can handle it.