Nursing 8-5?

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jan 23, 2009

I'm going to 8 hour shifts now-- so far I like them. I was doing three 12's a week and liked that fine, you get more days off, but working 12's can be exhausting and suck up your whole day with work.

There are pro's and con's for 8 vs 12. With 8's you have more time even on the days you work to do stuff and be with your family plus your 2 days off a week. With 12's you have 4 whole days off a week but the days you work are totally consumed with work and it can take a whole day just to recover, especially if your scheduled 3-4 days in a row! LOL!

I'm enjoying my 8 hour nights cause I can work for 8 hours and still have 8 hours off everyday to be with my kids (we have a lot of activities in the evening so I'm able to do all that now, go out to eat with the family, etc) and sleep for the other 8 hours....so far it's working well so far. I'm not nearly as tired is one thing I've noticed compared to when I worked 12's. I feel like I have more time compared to when I was working 12's for some reason.

But I wouldn't be opposed to working 12's again. Like I said, they both have their pro's and con's.

I work for Saint's and they have both 8 and 12 hour shifts, depending on the unit/area.

suzanne4, RN · Jan 24, 2009

I will only work 12 hour shifts if I have a choice.

But not sure why this is specific to those from the one city only, or not including other cities in your state.