Shift dilemma

mysticalwaters1 · Apr 23, 2005

As a new grad I have the opportunity of choosing an eight hour shift, or a twelve hour shift. I would like input (both pro and con's) from people working both shifts. Thanks

I work 8 hour shifts 3-11 a point 8 only work 8 8 hour shifts/2 weeks. I really like that for the extra day off and i find mysef very tired after 8 hours. I do find it hard to get all my work done but then again i've allways had issues with time management but I am very tired after 8 hours. Others i know love 12 and others i know love the 8 and can't imagine a 12 i'd have to try it but i get tired!

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2005

I found that I really like the pace of the twelve hour shifts a little better. It seems like all of the same things I had to have done by three are the same by seven. I'm not running around like as much of a maniac. Since I have to drag my a** out of bed regardless, I'd rather do it three days a week instead of five. The hardest time whether I'm working eight hours or twelve is at 5am when I'm working nights. I just pray that nothing goes wrong while I wait for the caffeine to kick in.

LPN1974, LPN · Apr 23, 2005

I currently work a ten hour shift, four days/week. I like it. I have worked 12 hour shifts on a part time job, in addition to my regular job.

However, it did catch up with me, I got very tired and had to let go of the part time.

I found that on days I worked 12 hour shifts, I didn't have time to do anything but eat/sleep/work. Didn't have time for anything else.

But if the 12 hour shifts is all you're doing, it's kinda nice to have the rest of the week off. You could work 3 12's and be thru for the week. It just all depends on you and your family life. I could do it because I'm single.

live4today, RN · Apr 23, 2005

When I was younger, working twelve hour shifts worked for me. It was good to knock out three 12 hourshifts and have the rest of the week off WHEN self scheduling was permitted. Otherwise, the days are broken up and not allowing for a lot of rest.

When working eight hour shifts, there's no time off except every other weekend unless the hospital has weekend staff and allows the weekday staff off every weekend.

Either way, eights turn into nines and tens, and twelves often turn into thirteen to fourteen hour shifts with the hectic pace of today's hospital nursing. :rolleyes:

You just have to try one shift, and if it doesn't work for you, try a different work schedule. :)

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2005

I agree with nurseybaby. I prefer 12's. Those extra days off in the week make a big difference in job outlook i think. Its easier to stay positive if you have a little time away from it during the week.

nursey_girl · Apr 23, 2005

I've done both, 8 and 12 hour shifts. I like having the shorter days, but the extra days off with 12's make all the difference in the world. A word of caution though... 12 hour shifts can wear on you after awhile so don't try to over do it with overtime...Is easy to burn out.

stidget99 · Apr 23, 2005

I've done both as well. 12-hour shifts are for me. I work every Sat, Sun, and Wed. This schedule works well for me. I don't have a family in the area so it's just me. No other obligations.