Pros & Cons 3a-3p and 3p-3a shifts

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2012

I have worked a lot of different shifts over the years, and I can't think of a worse one than 3a-3p! You would never get any normal sleep, the turn around would be horrible, you would be dead tired at the end of your shift and you would get off at a busy time of day so the likelihood of getting off on time would be slim. 3p-3a is much more body friendly. You come in when it is busy (and you are presumably rested), but can generally get all of your stuff done by the time you get off. If you don't need a lot of wind down time, you can be in bed before the sun comes up and that is a huge psychological boost. If you can get to sleep by 0430-0500, you can get up about noon and still feel OK so you can start your days off stretch fairly easily.

There are some who have worked nights for years and love it, but most of us have a harder time with it, especially if you have a family or want to interact with the daytime world.

When I was on nights, it was easier for me to work them all in a row, then have a stretch off. If I am on a relative day shift (1300-0100 or 1100-2300) then it doesn't really matter if they are together or not.

Perpetual Student · Apr 16, 2012

Yeah, I agree with Dixielee. 0300-1500 would really bite. I've worked nights happily, but that shift sounds terrible. 1500-0300 wouldn't be bad, at least for me. It's actually pretty close to my internal clock. Even when I've got to be at work at 1100 I often don't go to bed until around 0300ish.

laraclaire · Apr 17, 2012

I worked 3p-3a for a while when I first started nursing and I loved it. It's the normal time I'm awake so so super early wake up and no sleeping way late into the day. I would go to bed by 4am and wake up a little after noon and be good to go.

treeye · Apr 17, 2012

I'll take 3a to 3p since I'll have time to spend with my family

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Apr 17, 2012

I think it will depend on your family situation and your circadian rhythm.

For me.. 3a-3p would be hell. 3p- 3a would be heaven.

3 pm is a VERY busy time... better to start out fresh .. than being up all night and trying to sign off and deal with the admissions, etc.

Best of luck.. keep us posted.

jgoettemoeller · Apr 17, 2012

Thank you so much for your input. I have chosen the 3P-3A. This shift is really close to my internal clock and I agree with many of you that I will be well rested coming in at a busy time. Although there will be many admissions and discharges on this shift I would agree that I would be caught up and would generally get out on time

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Apr 17, 2012

I'd KILL for a 3P-3A!

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Apr 17, 2012

I've worked both....I liked them both for different reasons...when I needed to be home in the evening and couldn't get a regular day position I opted for 3a-3p. The bad part...getting enough sleep and getting up at 130am sucks. Then when I needed to be home in the mornings I went to 3p-3a....not too bad except for the fact that I had to be up at 630a to drive kids to school and then try to lay back down and get a nap in before going to work.

Depends on your wants and needs I guess lol