Working Hours-Feedback/Information Wanted.

[Portera23]

Feed/Information Wanted.

I am a new graduate RN who has been part of a residency program for the past 4 months. The hospital I was hired in offers this program for all new nurses in order to help them with the transition from class to work. I have come upon a dilemma and I would like to acquire information about this issue. I currently work in a unit that has the following schedule 5 12 hour shifts in a row, 2 days off, 2 days on and then 5 days off. I expressed to my director that after working 3 shifts of 13 hours or more I become mentally exhausted. I explain that we never work 12 hour shifts but rather 13 hours, 14 hours or 15. I also expressed that I felt it was an unsafe situation as far as patient safety. I offered to work 3 shifts in a row and have one day off and then work 3 more. My concerns were completely dismissed. As a new RN how can express my concerns about safety and work? Is there an organization that can provide advice, suggestions or information?

Thank You.

http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/23/4/202.full

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Awful schedule for anyone. There is plenty of research on fatigue in nursing. Look on Texas Nurses Asso. website for info and I feel sure you can find it elsewhere. This type schedule will ruin your health.

http://www.texasnurses.org

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Not a workable schedule for me. Sounds like a 6 on/7 off ratio which would end up being a lot of overtime where I work.

[wildlaurel]

I agree - there is a lot of research about nursing fatigue after 10 hours! I'd get some articles together and present your director with them.

[Portera23]

Thank you everyone.

I have a meeting with my director tomorrow and some other nurses who advocated for me. Any advice?

[blue heeler]

i could never work that schedule. hope your meeting goes well.