5 twelve hour shifts in a row?? Is it safe??

BrandonLPN, LPN · Jun 15, 2012

Sure, it's safe. Not pleasant. And you'd have no life during those days. But it's safe. I've done 5 or 6 twelves in a row before when I wanted the money. (but I'm unmarried and have no kids, so your situation might be different)

why did the hardcopy say you were on? Did you pick up a day and then forget? Or did they make a mistake? If it's their mistake you're obviously not obligated at all to come in.

Merlyn · Jun 15, 2012

Sure it's safe -insane- but safe.

Stephalump · Jun 15, 2012

I think safety is more linked to how much you sleep, not how many days you work. If you get your rest, you should be good :)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2012

I used to work eight 12-hour shifts in a row back when I was working two jobs. It is safe if you are getting at least seven to 8 hours of sleep prior to the start of each shift.

caliotter3 · Jun 15, 2012

I worked six 12 hour shifts each week for almost two years. Work, sleep. Suited me fine. What concerned me was that the employer wasn't paying me overtime in accordance with the labor laws.

sauconyrunner · Jun 15, 2012

As far as safe, yes. Some units, including one I worked on had a policy everyone worked 7 days on then had seven days off and of course we got the joy of rotating from days to nights.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Jun 16, 2012

No. And i wouldnt want a nurse who does that taking care of me or a family member.

shipmanmisty · Jun 16, 2012

When I told the charge nurse it would make 5 twelves in a row then she told me to stay home. I felt bad because I know how swamped they are w/ pts. Any charge nurse or RN can change the hard copy by marking out someone's name and adding someone elses however my DON didn't inform me of this change. Someone who was supposed to work had their name crossed out and mine added in it's place.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Jun 16, 2012

I'm currently assigned, against my will, to work 6 12's (tonight is night 2 of six). It's all being done as part of some childish punishment for some perceived injustice I've apparently commited. I also don't feel it's safe, and it's highly unlikely I'll work all six nights...I have PTO on the books and a telephone, after all.

When I'm allowed to work my normal, non-punitive schedule, I never work more than 3 12s in a row.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Jun 16, 2012

I once worked 9 12hour shifts in a row. By the middle of the ninth shift I was feeling homicidal. Loved that paycheck though. For the most part whether you can do this or not depends on your mind frame. I used to work 5 and 6 in a row, but I loved that job (ER) and needed the extra money.

Right now I don't need the money and ain't fond of the job so it would be torture for me.

minnymi · Jun 16, 2012

i asked one time how much we were "allowed" to work as i was exhausted after 4-12's. i was told that we were allowed to work 5-12s and the nurse who told me said she would do it in the winter when she was saving up for xmas presents.

i worked lots of 4-12s and only a couple 5-12s. it was EXHAUSTING....but definitely do-able. it's not something i think you could argue as being "unsafe," although i don't think many managers would debate not scheduling you for 5-12s if you make it clear that you feel that way.