8 versus 12 hour shift

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Recently I was hired for a .9FTE night nurse position and am scheduled to start at end of the month. I found out today its an 8 hour position rather than a 12 so 11pm-7:30am. I have a young daughter at home and am nervous about staying up 5 days a week. I have worked nights before but in a 12 hour position. The nurse educator informed me I can request a change to 12 hour if the position opens up. I want to reach out to my nurse manager and let her know I am interested in the 12 hour but I am afraid they will withdraw their offer. I have read offer letter and past e-mails and it never mentioned this was an 8 hour position. How do you recommend I approach this issue with the manager? Any advice for working 5 night shifts a week? Thanks!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

When I worked five 8 hour MN shifts a week, I stayed on a MN schedule and flowed graciously through life for years.

However, I'm an antisocial childless individual, so it was easy for me. With a young daughter, mimilovern, that's going to be a major area of involvement and concern.

I'm interested to read what others think.

Good luck to you and welcome to AN.com!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I loved 3-11 shift but it was an hour drive and I rarely had dinner with my family. Now I am doing 3-12s and it is hard for me to get up early, it is only 3 days a week. I like the 12s better.

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Specializes in Pedi.

0.9 FTE is 36 hrs so what will the schedule be? Five 8 hr shifts one week, four the next?

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.
0.9 FTE is 36 hrs so what will the schedule be? Five 8 hr shifts one week, four the next?

That's how I've seen it done

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