Would 8 hour shifts help alleviate burnout?

[OgopogoLPN]

I work in a LTC facility and most LTC facilities in my area have 8 hour shifts only, while acute care is almost all 12's.

So, my question is, would having 8 hour shifts in acute care help alleviate burnout?

Yes, it would then take 3 nurses to fill a 24 hour period and not 2, but would more nurses be inclined to stay in the field knowing they wouldn't be subjected to 12 hour shifts?

On the flip side, do most nurses like 12 hour shift so they can do their 4 on then 4 off?

Even though I do 8 hour shifts in LTC, all the fulltimers do 4 on, 2 off and 6 on 3 off. So less days off in between, which would not be appealing to some.

I would personally be working in acute care if I could get 8 hour shifts instead of 12. Not so much that I can't handle 12's, but it would be far too hard on my family and children (5 and 8). They would vitually not see me during a block of 12's.

Thoughts?

[heaverboo]

I like doing 3 12's because of the days off. Yes it stinks when our 12 hr shifts are 0730-2000 and don't get home until 2100, but when you get to sleep in the next day it doesn't matter. It'd be nice to have a normal 8 hr day at work but working 4 and 5 days a week I think would be draining in it's own way. It'd be nice doing 8 hrs on the week-end as well but versus working every other week-end as an 8 hr person, 12 hr people get to work every 3rd week-end. Both have it's pro's and con's. Guess it's just weighing your options.

[txnursingqt]

When I worked as a CNA in LTC I always worked 16 hour shifts on the weekends and was off all week. We worked 32 hours but got paid for 40 and I loved it!!!

I also worked in a hospital from 7p-7a and it wasn't bad because of the days off, but I will say that on those days you worked that seemed like all life was. Honestly, I am torn on the decision. I am definitely more of a 3-11p type person but if push comes to shove I am not sure if I will go for 7a-7p or 7p-7a. I am more of a night person, but at the same time I hate when I sleep my days away all the time. :smilecoffeeIlovecof

[litbitblack, ASN, RN]

AFter doing 12 hr shifts for 8 yrs and saying in the past that I couldn't imagine doing 8 hrs again,lol, I am doing 8 hrs again 6-2. I love it. I am in a better mood. By the time I go on break its almost time to go home. I get to participate in being a parent again. My kids love it. But its not for everyone. At least i have some of the day to go to appt if i have to, spend time with my family.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Work also includes a commute of a half hour each way for me, a ten minute walk from car to unit(big university hospital campus), getting to work with time to spare in case of traffic(ten minutes).

Five days a week means 5 hours of driving time versus 3, plus all the time saved in walking and getting there early. A lot of usable time is freed up 3 days a week.

[elcue]

I've worked 'em all in 25 yrs as an RN (24 years in the OR)! I loved the 12s for the time off. But my current OR is so busy, and breaks are so sporifice, that I just can't do 12s here. So I did 4 10s for several years.

BUT that nasty old Father Time has smacked me in the face, and I was really starting to burn out even with the 10s as I got into my 50s (I'm 53). So, a few months ago I decided to cut back just 10%, to 2 8s and 2 10s, and I feel like a new woman! It was a really good move. Don't let your job eat you alive! You'll enjoy your work more if you go a little easier on yourself. Linda