What hours do you work in Europe?

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

It used to be that in Holland nurses were not allowed to work over time and shift were limited to 8 hours a day. Is this still true? My parents know how tired I am after a 12 hours shift and they always say "well in Holland that doesn't happen, just isn't allowed, just isn't safe". Kind of like when I was little........I think 12 hour shifts are a good thing for nurses and probably for patients too since they have more continuity of care. What's the current scheduling like in Europe? Thanks!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

it varies, the average shift in the UK is 8 hours during the days and between 10 -12 hours for nights. EU do have some directives which have some control over how many hours you can work and if you want to go over that you have to sign a form. I used to love nights as I would do 75 hours in 1 week and then have the following week off work. (average working week full time in the UK is 37.5 hours)

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

it varies, the average shift in the UK is 8 hours during the days and between 10 -12 hours for nights. EU do have some directives which have some control over how many hours you can work and if you want to go over that you have to sign a form. I used to love nights as I would do 75 hours in 1 week and then have the following week off work. (average working week full time in the UK is 37.5 hours)

Thanks so much for the info, cheers!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

also just to add in the UK we do a mixture of all shifts not work one particular one the main exception used to be nights where the hospital would have their regular night staff but then they fetched in internal rotation which meant everyone had to do all shifts not one. ie one day could be working 0715-1415 and not return until 1330-2100 the next day. Nights generally started on a monday unless you are part time then may start on another day