Scheduling problem

[TexasRN511]

Hi all. I just graduated in May and started my new job in June. I was hired as a night-shifter on a 7 day on / 7 day off schedule. That means I work 5 8-hr shifts and 2 12-hr shifts in a row, then have a week off.

At first, I really liked the schedule. I mean....a whole week off! My hiring manager told me it would take some time to get used to and that if I had problems I should let her know.

So it's been 6 months, and I'm finding that all I want to do on my week off is sleep, sleep and sleep. I have NO motivation to cook, clean, shop, anything. I don't know if this is "normal" or not.

I know she said to talk to her, but I'm scared. They already have a hard time filling these positions and I've gotten GREAT reviews from everyone I've worked with. I really would rather change to a 3 12-hr schedule.

Should I bite the bullet, or give it a little more time? I think I'm also nervous because in my area, nursing jobs are VERY hard to come by, especially as a new grad and for anyone with less than 2 years experience.

[Momof2inMO]

It took me a long time to get used to the stress of working, adjusting to a new place, learning how to BE a nurse plus deal with adjusting family life too as a new grad. I was working 3-12s though and my 12s were more like 14+, so I'd work, then come home and sleep, do nothing at home for a day, then do it again. I learned quickly that 3-in-a-row is not possible for me on my unit. I am exhausted after 2 shifts.

7 shifts in a row seems way too much for anyone, even if some of them are 8 hours. Are people required to work every other weekend? Communication with your nurse manager is a good thing as long as you don't come off as a "whiner" to him/her (It doesn't sound like you're whining to me.) Perhaps there are other options or he/she may have some tips. I was afraid to talk to my NM at first also, but really find her to be a good mentor and encourager now.

Best of luck to you in your journey!

[NurseNathalie]

Darling,

I work 8 hrs 5 days in a row and when I have my 2 days off, I´m COMPLETELY exhausted that I just wanna sleep and do nothing! I can imagine 7 days in a row!!! This is way TOO MUCH!

Definitely, talk to her!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I remember something very similar to this post.....I usually research but I am having a tough time right now with the site. I responded that this is a tough schedule was going to be incredibly difficult and that it would take a couple of days to even feel human after a run like that. 7 days off sounds great.....until you realize that the hell you go through and losing a week in your life to work and sleeping may not be worth it.....I'm not sure you will adjust.

I'd have a talk with your boss to discuss options...Good Luck :)

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

My rotation consists of 5, 2, 5, 2 off a week. I despise working 5 12s. It's brutal. I spend the following week trying to recover. I cannot imagine working 7 shifts in a row. I've done 6 before.You might want to gently broach the subject with your manager. After a year, I still cannot get used to 5 shifts. It's just too much.