Overtime

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How difficult is it to work 4 12 hour shifts a week? How early on in your nursing career did you work extra shifts?

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I found I'm just fine with 5 twelves and 1 eight. I have backed off to 5 twelves. Now this is nights. I couldn't do that days. Your own readiness depends on being in the place where you don't feel uncomfortable about letting the day shift do its work. You don't feel pressured to "finish" anything, because nothing is ever finished in nursing. They left you "their" stuff to do, you have to leave them "your" stuff to do. When you're working a string of twelves, you absolutely need to get out of there on time and get your sleep, and if you can't get a full day's sleep, you have to figure out how. If you stay too long and miss your sleep on any but the last shift in a string of twelves, you're hosed.

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What would be the best way to schedule the 4 12 hour shifts? As far as how they are laid out?

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.
What would be the best way to schedule the 4 12 hour shifts? As far as how they are laid out?

Probably in a row so you'd have 3 days off--more beneficial to your health in my opinion.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I was under the impression that you don't get to choose in what sequence you work your shifts.....

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I was under the impression that you don't get to choose in what sequence you work your shifts.....

Not always true. Many units offer self-scheduling or some derivative of it.

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Specializes in Telemetry.
Not always true. Many units offer self-scheduling or some derivative of it.

That would be great.. this whole time I figured what I end up getting is what I get. I'd love to be able to work all my shifts in a row when I graduate....

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Specializes in ER/ medical telemetry.
That would be great.. this whole time I figured what I end up getting is what I get. I'd love to be able to work all my shifts in a row when I graduate....

In my hospital, they offer 12 hours every other week one extra 12 hours in one pay period.

Now, If you decide to work two extra 12's, then that adds more to the overtime.

The incentive program offers 2 dollars more per hour, added to the base pay, and work as many shifts as you please because after 40 it equals time and a half!!!

I do two extra 12's in one pay period.

I am the new kid on the block so I have to fill in the blanks on the schedule, but the money is awsome so I do not complain, esp. for a new grad.

Incentive is only offered the middle of January until about the 2nd week of May, possibly extending to April, then June to until January is just overtime if it is offered, with regular pay.

I LIKE THE MONEY!!!!

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, SICU, MICU.

On my unit, after 40 hours is double time. And that is not for travel or anything, its just for all the nurses who work on-call. When I work 4 12's, I like to work 2 days, one day off, then 2 days. I normally work my 3 12's in a row. I don't work weekends(we have weekend option people) so it usually ends up as M,Tues, Thurs,Fri. You can work as many days extra as you want. Some people work 5 days a week or even 6. Now that is a little much. It just all depends on how much you can handle and your unit needs and rules. You will be tired at first, but once you get used to it, its not so bad. Just dont overload. Remember, we have to be feeling well to help our patients feel better. Good luck!! :bowingpur

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Specializes in Ortho, Case Management, blabla.

I've just adjusted myself enough to the 12 hour shifts that I started picking up extras. I generally do 2-3 in a row. Some weeks I take the plunge and do 5-6 in a row. It doesn't really bother me that much like it does some people. I just try to get a lot of sleep in between. It actually gets easier since you have the same patients night to night and you get to know them and their preferences. I find the first days after a few days off can be especially difficult since you don't have a handle on what's going on when you first walk in.

I try to work an extra shift or two in each pay period of two weeks. The money is nice and I honestly get bored on my days off. Might as well work. I figure I might as well do it while I'm still young and physically capable (not for the hospital/administration, I do it for myself and the extra $$$).

It's nice though. I take the extra cash from my paychecks and save it. After 3 extra shifts over the X-mas holidays I was able to pay for a trip to Mexico earlier this month. I've done 2 extras since I've gotten back; 6 more and I'm buying a new car (my current one sucks)...woot...

I've been a nurse for 9+ months, and it took me 6 months to get to the point where I had adjusted enough to be willing to pick up extra shifts or work a bunch of days in a row!

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