Shift work

loriangel14, RN · Dec 24, 2012

Where I work you would only be scheduled to work two of the three shifts but part timers that pick up will work all three ( like me).Scheduling all three shifts in one week is wrong. I gather you are not unionized.Our union would hit the roof if they tried to do that.Those nurses need to stand up for themselves. They will get sick quickly doing that all the time.

jrgcna · Dec 27, 2012

I hope you don't mind me chiming in, I'm a CNA and not a nurse. But I've noticed that it seems to be common in our facility that our girls and guys (CNA's and nurses) are expected to pick up time on 2 or even all 3 different shifts.

I have a regular schedule on 3-11 with a little bit of 11-7 as well. My scheduler has recently decided to start throwing in more 7-3, scheduling me on all three shifts in the same week.

I've put up with a lot in 3 years, and I understand there are emergencies, but within just a few weeks of the three-shift business I am fed up and deciding what to do next. I've considered seeking other work or requesting a transfer (I work in a nursing home complex with other buildings on the campus).

So the point of my rambling is that it is unhealthy to have staff working all 3 shifts in one week. It's pushing me right toward the door.

Morainey, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2012

That sounds legitimately awful. I'm dedicated to night shift (full time), but when I pick up shifts, I pick up what I want - I can't imagine flip-flopping 3 times in one week though. :grumpy:

NursieNurseLPN, LPN · Dec 30, 2012

I had to do all three in orientation, over a 3 week period i did all shifts for 5days a week. Some were the same shift the 1st few days, then switched up to a diff shift. I was just grateful to be offered orientation on all three shifts at first, but boy did it get old after week one. I swear i didnt know morning from night, or which date or day if the week it was. I was forced to kinda take little cat naps whenever i had the opportunity to sleep. I am per diem so im sure ill be working any and all shifts theyll have me for, but im gonna try really hard to have at least 12hours between shifts. Its not fun to get home from work at 12am only to have to be back at work by 7am, included travel time.

MBrickle · Dec 30, 2012

Yikes! I really, truly need 8-9 hours of sleep to stay well, and while I admire those who can function on 5-6 hours of sleep routinely, I cannot. I work 3-4 night shifts in a row with 3-4 days off in between. It works for me but I couldn't imagine working evening, getting home (hopefully on time) and then having to be up in less than 6 hours for a day shift. Throw a night shift in there and I would be toast! Sounds dangerous.

Hoozdo, ADN · Dec 30, 2012

Does anyone elses place of employment do this? If so, has anyone noticed the employees getting ill more easily? Do you think it's wrong to do 3 shift changes in one week?

Yes, I think it is wrong. It is barbaric. I have noticed that the hospitals in my area, (southwest US), have it in the job descriptions now. I don't know anyone that actually has to do it - I know I couldn't do it. I wouldn't even pretend I would do it in a job interview. I don't know how management would even expect such a thing if patient safety is a priority.

Obviously we know that profit is the main goal - not patient safety. I wouldn't even feel safe to drive working such a whacked out schedule.