8 vs. 12 hour shifts

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As an upcoming RN graduate I've noticed that most hospitals are converting to 12 hour shifts. I'm wondering if the 12 hour shifts are burning nurses:angryfire out or if the more days off are makng up for the long hours. What is your take on this?

Specializes in Cardiac/Step-Down, MedSurg, LTC.

At my job right now, and with my finances, I'm comfortable working 4 8's a week, 11-7. I make enough money to pay the bills and have a bit extra to save every month. I could benefit from the extra night, yes, but working nights really messes with your weekend schedule! Having that 3rd day off gives me time to accomplish things I couldn't possibly do on Saturday (I work Tuesday through Friday night - into Sat. morning).

When I was in Nursing school I did 12hr nights (7-7) on a L+D unit for my internship. It was awesome, but between 1-3am when everyone was taking their nap break I struggled to stay awake. If it was busy I was all good, but if it was slow I got exhausted. I'd like to pull 3 12's a week in the future, but not in a row. After night two my body shut itself off, lol. My body's cool with the 8's on nights though.

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Specializes in Hospice.

I work 4, 8s and 12s. Generally I try to do three 8s and one 12.

When I was working 3 12s, I came home exhausted, spent 1 day recovering and another day catching up on housework. I like having energy left over when I get off work, and not having to take a day to recover. Life is better on 8s.

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Life is better on 8s. It's also very easy to pick OT. That's the only way I'll do a 12. Come in for the 8 hour shift. They are short staffed and pick up the last four hours at double time.

I'm not a happy camper after a 12 hour shift and spend the next day recovering. The OT makes them doable.

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Specializes in PACU, ED.

I work 3 12s and love it. It gives me 4 days off a week and because my work days vary I can sometimes have 5 day weekends. Sweet!

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