3 12s or 4 8s (nights) what's better???

[shortstuff31117]

I'm a new grad applying for various med surg jobs. I cant decide what would be better, 3 12s or 4 8s on nights. My dilemna is that I have an almost 1 yr old daughter and obviously want to spend as much time with her as possible.

If I work 4 8s, I will (in theory) spend the day with her, and then she will go to Grandmas while I sleep from 4-10. Not much sleep there.

If I work 3 12s, then she will probably go to daycare a couple days a week while I sleep. Which of course means a daycare expense. (but I know she'll have fun).

So what sounds better. I'm thinking the 3 12s sounds better, even though I will be a zombie for a few days. Any opinions out there? Experiences?? I'd prefer 24 hrs a week but the hospital doesnt offer that for new grads so I have to wait a while.

Thanks Carrie!

[jodyangel, RN]

Def. 12s are better for me. Its not that hard to extend your 8 into 12..and its SO nice not to have to go to work 5 days!!

[MIA-RN1, RN]

12's sound better. If you have a SO you could do weekends and save on the daycare.

Caveat--where I work, new grads aren't allowed to do 12's for 6 months d/t burnout. However, I think what I am doing now (5 days/week) is going to burn me out quicker.

[MT RN]

I LOVE doing 3-12's! I usually do mine all together, and then my reward is four days off.

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

I like three 12s, but on nights it ain't all roses. You'll spend much of at least one of those lovely days off sleeping--I just woke up at 3:30pm. If you can get 3 consecutive 12s and can tolerate them, that's nicer. I work every weekend (extra $4/hr) and one weeknight, but I'm not guaranteed my weeknight to be Mon or Fri. This week I worked Sat, Sun, Tue, so my day off Monday was pretty much wasted. On the other hand, I'm 50, and sometimes two in a row is a good deal easier than three in a row. But then, I don't have much of a life, so I can afford to be pretty flexible. If you need your nights grouped, I'd specify that at hiring time.

I do work an occassional 11p-7a, and it feels like a breeze most of the time. Sometimes, though, it seems hard to get everything done in just 8 hrs., even though those are usually the slowest hours of the day.

[Midwest4me]

Three 12-hr shifts sounds more feasible---less work time, more time off with the child!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I work two 16-hour double shifts per week and absolutely love it. I have 5 days off per week if I choose, and am paid for 40 hours per week with benefits.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

3 12s would be great!

[truern]

I work two 16-hour double shifts per week and absolutely love it. I have 5 days off per week if I choose, and am paid for 40 hours per week with benefits.

omgoodness, how do you WALK after two 16-hour shifts?!? My hat's off to you!

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Id take the 3 12's. Your daughter will enjoy going to daycare and playing with the other kids and you will have a couple days a week to spend with her. The difficulty may be in finding a daycare that will take her on that basis (3 days only) and not make you pay for an entire week. Also some close earlier than what you will be getting off so there may be need for someone else to pick her up on days you work.