Is it possible for a RN to work five 12 hr days?

[f_nurse2b16]

Is it possible for a 23 year old woman with no kids and still in shape to work five 12 hours days?

[tigerlogic]

I know a fair number of night shifters -- both RNs and CNAs-- who prefer 6 on, 8 off (12 hr shifts). I would prefer it for nights but not days. But plenty of people do it. Just don't schedule anything else those days and really focus on getting 6-8 hrs sleep. Also consider, are you really there only 12 hrs? Or are the shifts actually 12.5hrs long with a meal break and you stay late/come early to prepare or handoff are slow etc. As others have said, consider your commute too.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Sure. I've needed money on short notice and worked 60 hour weeks to come up with it. It's exhausting though and makes me hate everything.

[Stephalump]

Is it possible for a 23 year old woman with no kids and still in shape to work five 12 hours days?

My mom worked 4-6 12s a week for years. Usually 6 days on, 4 days off. She'd burn out and take a nice loooong vacation every now and then, but it was doable.

[OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN]

I know a fair number of night shifters -- both RNs and CNAs-- who prefer 6 on, 8 off (12 hr shifts). I would prefer it for nights but not days. But plenty of people do it. Just don't schedule anything else those days and really focus on getting 6-8 hrs sleep. Also consider, are you really there only 12 hrs? Or are the shifts actually 12.5hrs long with a meal break and you stay late/come early to prepare or handoff are slow etc. As others have said, consider your commute too.

Exactly. My shifts are 13 hours plus. Why? I'm new to ICU and I have no choice but to get to work really early to prepare for my day. I find myself leaving on time most days but that is because I spend my extra time before report to go through my charts and assess my patients.

[Yohanesteban]

Yeah, of course it is possible! If you need money and got the strength in off do it! You are so young, it's gonna give you experience and good money, and when you get tired just stop....

[beeker]

Possible? Yes. Advisable? NO.

[MJB2010]

When I worked in dialysis, we worked 14 hour and 16 hour days, then add in your commute. They refused to hire appropriate staff, so if you ever wanted to take a couple of days off you would get scheduled back to back for 6 shifts. It was HORRIBLE. I do not recommend this. This is how I finally had the incident where I dozed off for a second on my ride home and could have killed some innocent person because I was too stupid to say no. I hit the rumble strip and woke right up thankfully, and that was only shift 4 out of 6. This was what prompted me to find a new job, so I guess I should be thankful.

And sure you could do it, but just because you can doesn't mean you should. By the end of the stretch you'll be tired and short tempered and will need a lot of time to recover.

[sbostonRN]

I think it's a fast track to burn out. Money is great but it's not everything.

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

I'm semi oldish... 34. And sorta in shape. Round IS a shape! I work 3 12s for my regular position and at least one extra 12 if not 2 every week. For me, it's easy money and I don't mind going. But you have to love the job or you will feel like toast! Ivanna

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

Think about the patients that you're jeopardizing as you try to medicate them while you're exhausted and dreaming of extra cash. No bueno. I don't care how old you are, no one should be working that kind of stretch regularly in this profession. The body needs rest at any age.

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

A century ago, the STANDARD work schedule was 5-12 hour shifts PLUS a half shift on Saturday. No paid vacation, no paid sick time.

No judgement, just sayin'.

Right, and the average life expectancy was probably less than 50 years... Not saying its related, but all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And cranky, tired, sick, etc.

[Vinniesguy]

Did it when I was younger - too old that now. I felt dreadful by the time my days off came though! Took two days to recover!!