why so many 12 hour shifts?

caliotter3 · Jan 10, 2015

Many employers like the advantages of continuity of coverage afforded by 12 hour shifts while taking advantage of the employee by not paying overtime for hours above eight in one workday. There are ways to get around the overtime pay even in states that dictate overtime after eight hours. Employers take advantage of this as much as possible.

Twinmom06, ASN, APN · Jan 10, 2015

I just went from 8 hour shifts to 12. Personally I love it!!! 5 8 hour overnight shifts are a DRAG!

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2015

I'd much rather work three 12s than five 8s.

direw0lf, BSN · Jan 10, 2015

Thanks for the answers! I'm just a student and no plans or anything but I keep wondering: how do you have a family? I mean I get it that a job in health care will have mandatory overtime hours, weekends, holidays but how do you guys manage a family?

caliotter3 · Jan 10, 2015

Thanks for the answers! I'm just a student and no plans or anything but I keep wondering: how do you have a family? I mean I get it that a job in health care will have mandatory overtime hours, weekends, holidays but how do you guys manage a family?

It is up to the individual to look until they find a position that leaves them sufficient time for their family. Many are stuck, because that is what is available and they need the income. If you do not want to work a certain type of schedule, for whatever reason, you can rest assured that the employer will find someone (actually many someones) who will be glad to work that schedule with a smile on their face.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2015

Thanks for the answers! I'm just a student and no plans or anything but I keep wondering: how do you have a family? I mean I get it that a job in health care will have mandatory overtime hours, weekends, holidays but how do you guys manage a family?

My kids are grown so I don't have to worry about anybody else's schedule except to make sure our dog is let out a few times to go to the bathroom and gets dinner. From what I've seen with nurses who have younger kids, arranging care for 2-3 days a week is easier than working out care for 5 days a week.

amoLucia · Jan 10, 2015

Just 2 nurses covering a 24 hour period is more economical as the facility doesn't have to pay out benefits for 3 nurses in the same period. The facility saves on health care benefits, vacation time, sick time, etc.

And I would believe it's just easier to just plug in 2 bodies rather than 3 for the same time period - makes staffing/scheduling easier.

Julesmama28 · Jan 10, 2015

I've done 5 day, 8 hour days. It is nice because I'm on the same school schedule as my kids. However, I am excited to work 3 twelves because that means more time with my kids, more weekdays off to get things done like dr appts, teacher conferences, shopping, etc. I can do weekends and then pay less daycare for my littles. It really is an advantage for me!

BSN 2014

WCSU1987 · Jul 9, 2015

I think 12's are amazing. Starting new job after doing 4 10's and working 8 hour's. The extra day's off you need in Healthcare field. I feel burnt out doing 4 to 5 8's.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2015

I would not want to work five 8-hour shifts per week unless it was at a desk job away from the bedside. Five days a week of providing direct care to patients and dealing with their families was too much for me to handle.

I prefer three 12-hour shifts per week. Many healthcare facilities prefer staffing with 12 hour shifts because it eliminates the problems that arise when attempting to keep the 3pm to 11pm evening shift fully staffed.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2015

Just 2 nurses covering a 24 hour period is more economical as the facility doesn't have to pay out benefits for 3 nurses in the same period. The facility saves on health care benefits, vacation time, sick time, etc.
And I would believe it's just easier to just plug in 2 bodies rather than 3 for the same time period - makes staffing/scheduling easier.

Totally agree.

I loved working three 12s. I knew/know tons of nurses with small children, so they find a way to make it work. It usually requires a supportive SO or close family members to get it done, but all those nurses working 12s are finding a way to do so.