Shift times

swee2000 · Nov 20, 2007

No- of course not, our hospital overlaps shifts too, I think that is probably the norm. I was wondering why the night shift doesn't get the extra 1/2 hr. I wondered if the other shifts felt that was unfair, that they basically are getting a paid meal break.

I'm not sure if I correctly interpreted your comments above, but I'm going to respond anyways, in the hopes that I did.

Ok, for starters, I do not know why night shift is only 8hrs vs 8-1/2hrs like on Days & PMs. Just the hospital's policy, I guess.

Second, in regards to your comment "I wondered if the other shifts felt that was unfair, that they basically are getting a paid meal break", I can't honestly say that I've heard anyone complain one way or the other. I know from personal experience of working nights that there can be some very crazy, busy, & hectic shifts. Typically, 1st rounds are just finishing up around 2 in the morning. By the time one sits down to chart in-between answering all the call lights, it is practically time for 2nd rounds including lab draws, blood sugars, vitals, etc, etc. To top it off, night-shift is usually short-staffed and, as others can relate to, the darkness/nighttime brings out the "best" in some patients who unfortunately get a little "off-the-wall" from medications, the situation/surroundings, or prior-to-admission dementia, etc. Thus, trying to squeeze in a 1/2hr break becomes nearly impossible if not unrealistic.

With all that said, it doesn't mean the employees never take breaks on nights....who would believe that? But "technically" they're not supposed to since it's not deducted from their pay. The only exception is for the employee who is working a 12hr shift from 1900-0730.

Does any of this make sense &/or answer your questions?

biker momma · Nov 20, 2007

I work in the ED, our shifts are as follows:

0600-1830

1000-2230

1200-0030

1600-1630

1800-0630