Length of Nursing Shifts

[KeitanTaylor]

I am posting this topic for discussion as an assignment for one of my nursing classes. I am curious to know what everyone thinks about the debate of switching nursing shifts to only 8 hours instead of 12 hours. This is a tough one, and I haven't researched the pros or cons so that is why I am bringing it up for discussion. I know of one hospital that one of my friends works at where the nurses do 7 12 hour shifts in a row, so 7 on and 7 off. I can see why a nurse would like that schedule, because having 7 days off in a row is nice! From my own experience as a student who is precepting, after 2 12 hour shifts in a row I am mentally and physically exhausted! With that being said, it really is nice to have all of the days off in a row. I am excited to hear feedback!

Thank you :)

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I prefer 12-hour shifts.

I have previously worked five 8-hour shifts and became burned out from seeing patients, their families and my coworkers virtually on a daily basis.

12-hour shifts enable me to have four days off per week, whereas 8-hour shifts reduce it to two days off per week. In addition, I simply do not want to do bedside nursing five days per week because the interaction sucks the life out of me.

[LaterAlligator]

I switched to 12's (as a hospital CNA) when I got into nursing school, and while I appreciate the fewer workdays per week, my weekends at work kick my butt. Hard. When I worked 8's, that was less so. Although the burnout aspect of feeling like you're ALWAYS at the hospital with 5 8's is a real factor too.

Overall I'll stick with my 12's. Unless I wind up working somewhere I have to commute a long distance to. If that were the case I could see myself getting so tired I'd want a motel room after work!

[_zoubisoubisou_]

Are FLEX shifts any shifts? Or random like 7a-7p, 11a-11p...Do they stay day flex or night flex or is it a combo of days/nights. The hospital I've been researching job postings have a lot of flex and rotating shifts. I understand that rotating shifts rotate days and nights which I do not want...so...would flex be the same?

[PA_RN87, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Are FLEX shifts any shifts? Or random like 7a-7p, 11a-11p...Do they stay day flex or night flex or is it a combo of days/nights. The hospital I've been researching job postings have a lot of flex and rotating shifts. I understand that rotating shifts rotate days and nights which I do not want...so...would flex be the same?

I'm a full time-flex, specifically a 0.7, there are also 0.9 flex positions at my facility. That means you're considered full time, but are not guaranteed full time hours. I can work 28-40 hours a week, and a 0.9 can work 36-40 hours a week. Usually I work around 70 hours every 2 weeks.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

You have no idea if the people answering your questions are actually nurses. Your "data" is totally and completely worthless.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm scheduled to work 5 8s. However, my specialty requires call. I've worked anywhere from my scheduled 8 hours to 21 hours (just waiting for the day I work a full 24 hour shift), then come back at my normal scheduled time (3 hours between!) to work another shift.

Note to self: never, ever mention waiting to work that 24 hour shift. Just. Don't.