3 Day Workweeks for Full Time Nurses

elkpark · Aug 2, 2004

There are lots of hospitals where you can work 3 12-hour shifts a week, and get "full-time" benefits. Some people really like it, some don't. Back during the last serious "nursing shortage," lots of hospitals were offering the Baylor plan, where you worked 2 12-hour shifts (every weekend) and got paid for 36 hours. Not so much of that anymore, it seems. Some hospitals have gone to only offering 12-hour shifts, some leave it up to the individual nurse's preference.

Years ago, I had a job (inpatient adolescent psych) where I worked 2 16 hour shifts every weekend -- worked 32 hours, got paid for 40, got full-time benefits, and had Mon-Fri off every week. LOVED it!!! (Not necessarily on Sunday evenings, but sure loved it the rest of the week! :chuckle )

It really boils down to whether you prefer to work shorter days and work more days per week, or work longer days and have more full days off.

rmcgrog · Aug 2, 2004

Hi - is this common at NJ area hospitals? TO cram a full-time job into 3 days?
Just curious and is it generally the nurses choice or the hospitals?
THANKS!

At my hospital, it is required that we all work twelve hour shifts. Mostly, the staff prefers it, but now the administration won't accept any different. I have done 8hr shifts in the past and definitely prefer 12hr shifts. When I worked 8hr shifts I often would get stuck working 9 or ten hours....by the time you are done getting report etc... It is tough on your body though. I do not think it changes my ability to take care of my patients.

nycNurse2b · Aug 2, 2004

Many thanks for the responses.

After giving it more thought and hearing that many nurses seem to prefer it, i am actually liking the idea.

MAy i ask what hospitals do this (that you are aware of?)

And are you paid a salary or an hourly rate?

[sorry - i am coming from corporate america where i've never had much choice - i've pretty much had salaried, 9-5 type jobs!]

MAny thanks!!!

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Aug 2, 2004

We work 12 hour shifts, get paid straight time for all 12, no overtime after 8 hours, as some people get.

I've worked 8 hour shifts, usually nights, and there is never anything normal. Usually we worked 4 on, one off, 4 on, one off, 3 on then 2 off. I couldn't get caught up on my sleep. With 12 hours, I'm off right now until Thursday, last worked Friday night. It's much better for me.