RN Typical Schedule

RNrhythm, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2017

I work 12 hour shifts, NOC, 3X a week. I usually pick up an extra shift every few weeks.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 12, 2017

You're going to get pretty much every variety of answer here. Some facilities use all 12 hour shifts. Some use only 8 hour shifts. Some will use a mix. Some will even add other shift lengths into the mix. And start times? Heck, they'll be all over the place too.

Take, for example, just my OR. We (almost the entire staff) work day shift for 8 hours. However, we also have some who work 10 hours and a small group who work 12s. We also staff a second shift (smaller number of staff) and third shift (1 surgical team for emergencies only). Personally, I work 8 hour shifts during the day. Except then I have to take call. Sometimes those 8 hour shifts turn into 10 or 12 or 26 (yes, more than a full day straight) shift.

Basically, it's going to be very dependent on the facility and even the department within the facility.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jan 14, 2017

Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living tend to staff 8hr shifts/5x wk with every other weekend rotation with set schedule Most hospitals in Philadelphia area have 3 -12hr shifts/wk and schedule in 6-8wk blocks of time, many have self scheduling where you can quest shifts you desire to work in 2 week increments. Some facilities require alternating days and nights while others staff all days or all night 12hr shifts.

HappyRN. · Jan 18, 2017

I worked 12 hour shifts 3x a week. We would rotate days/nights every 2 weeks. I now work as a school nurse so I normally work 5 days a week - 8 hour days. Although, i do get holidays and summer off!

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2017

I work a baylor program, so I work 12 hour night shifts every Saturday and Sunday and get paid like I work 40 hours a week, with full time benefits. I also take 16 hours of call time a month, usually split into two 8 hour shifts, but I don't always get called in.