Would you work this schedule...is it safe?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

My perfect schedule would be working two 16 hr shifts a week. I have on occasion worked 16 hr shifts and it was not bad.

Just wondering if others have worked a regular schedule like this? Did you like it? Do you feel you were able to provide safe care the entire shift?

I live in CA and the double time pay rate would be great if it was possible to find a job to allow me to work this kind of schedule. I think 3p-7a would be the best shift. I would not be able to work the shifts back to back. I would need a day off in between.

Would you work two 16 hr shifts?

Specializes in Occupational Health; Adult ICU.

I'd do it and love it... but I agree, it surely is not for everyone.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
Actually studies haven shown that anything more than 12 in unsafe. there is now research saying anything above 8-10 hours is unsafe. Our hospital is starting to push for 8 hours shifts instead, while allowing 12 hour. they are basically encouraging and giving us the option to go 8 hours. I'm really really thinking about it but worried i will regret my decision.

Not familiar with new research that says this, what are you referring to?

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

I wouldn't do it, but if you think you are physically, mentally and emotionally capable, give it a shot.

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

Oh, and I did a traditional Baylor plan back when I was a new nurse. It was great.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Ick... I worked 3p-7a for a while, and had a lot of trouble some

days, making it home without falling asleep. It's doable if you

don't have very far to drive to get home.

I would much rather do 7a-11p. We have several nurses at my

new facility who work that shift.

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Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

Yea the times I have worked 16 hrs, it has always been 7a-11p but for some reason I think 3p-7a would be better.

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Specializes in Pedi.

I would not work this schedule and I don't know if many hospitals would even allow it. When I worked in the hospital, no more than 16 hrs/day was allowed and this was allowed only under extraordinary circumstances... as in, you couldn't be scheduled for a double, you were only allowed to do it if someone called out and the floor was short and needed someone to stay. At this particular hospital, working 16 hr shifts did not earn one overtime. I once worked 7A-11P and doubled back and came in at 7A the next morning (which was against their rules but they would gladly break them as long as it worked for them). Do not recommend that and I would say, no, it's not safe to do this regularly.

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