There are three standard nursing shifts: 8 hour, 10 hour, and 12 hour. Many nurses prefer the 12 hour shift, which is also the most typical of the three shifts. Let's discuss different shift options and the pros and cons of a 12 hour shift so that you can make an informed decision about if it's the best choice for you.
How long are nursing shifts?
Depending on the type of shift scheduled, the working hours of a nurse are usually between eight to twelve hours long.
How many hours a week do nurses work?
The classic three shifts and schedules for full-time nurses to choose between are "five-eights," "four-tens," and "three-twelves." That's five days a week working eight hours a day, four days a week working ten hours a day, or three days a week working twelve hours per day.
Some in the nursing profession end up with a different end result of hours worked. Although these are the classic shifts for nurses, one nurse might end up with a different combination for their week than another, especially if they are working somewhere particularly busy.
Why do nurses work 12 hour shifts?
Since many nurses prefer to work 12 hour shifts and it allows for easier scheduling, hospitals and facilities continue to offer them.
Many nurses feel that extended shifts (or long shifts in general) improve work life balance because they have more flexibility and free time on more days of the week, with fewer shifts overall. The vast majority of registered nurses who prefer longer shifts also mentioned that it saves money and cuts down on commute time, which offers more personal time.
According to a survey referenced in the American Journal of Nursing, most nurses (83.5%) who worked a 36-hour week preferred 12-hour shift patterns. The study showed that long shifts allow hospital nurses to spend time on important self care while at home so they're refreshed for their next shift/s, whether that's a day shift or night shifts.
Here are some of the other benefits of a 12 hour nursing shift.
You have more time off between shifts to explore your city or town
While 12 hour shifts may sound daunting, the long hours do have their advantages. After longer shifts, you'll have more time off than the average job offers to explore your city or town. This is why travel nursing staff may prefer 12 hour shifts - it affords them more of a chance to disconnect from work and explore their surroundings, which can be especially helpful when settling into a new place and avoiding job dissatisfaction.
Having multiple days off in a row also means that a nurse who works 12 hour shifts can take short trips without scrambling to make the schedule work for others on the nursing staff. Although self care messaging often focuses on techniques like deep breathing and meditation, a day trip or mini vacation is often much more beneficial when it comes to health and job satisfaction.
Working 12 hour nursing shifts allows continuous care for patients
12 hour nursing shifts are also increasingly popular due to their potential for providing patients with greater continuity of care. While 12 hour shifts may sound like a lot on paper, this means that RNs don't need to be constantly doing patient handoffs and instead are able to respond more efficiently as they become familiar with the patient throughout their 12 hour shift. This helps ensure that everyone gets the care they need and helps build strong relationships between the nurses and their patients.
Of course, patient safety must be taken into consideration. 12 hour shifts are understandably safer when nurse staffing levels are appropriate. More nurses on the floor maximizes patient safety and minimizes health risks, regardless of shift length.
You can sleep for longer periods of time on your days off
On days off, there is nothing better than catching up on sleep missed while working long nursing shifts. Proper sleep is crucial to maintaining good health and avoiding adverse effects that can come from a job with atypical hours. Both night shift nurses and other nurses who work the day shift can greatly benefit from improved sleep. 12 hour shifts also mean that most nurses can have both weekends and weekdays available, so they can focus on spending time where it really matters instead of clocking in again for the daily grind.
12 hour shifts are common in the nursing field, so you won't have to readjust to different shift work on your next assignment
Since a 12 hour shift is often more common than shorter shifts for nurses, choosing the same shift lengths provides some consistency and will likely stay the same from assignment to assignment.
Rotating shifts can make it a little more difficult to schedule the rest of your life between the changing shift patterns, and 12 hour shifts often avoid some of the inconvenience of readjusting to different hours.
Working three days a week makes it easier to pick up an additional shift if necessary
To be clear, three shifts is already a lot of work when you're taking on longer shifts - and some nursing roles are increasingly finding that their job requires not a 3x12, but four days of working 12 hour shifts. Adequate staffing levels often determine if this is an option for any registered nurse who might want to add onto their week.
Having four days a week off to recharge is a definite bonus for the 3x12 shift length. But don't let twelve hour shifts stop you from inquiring about overtime or picking up an additional shift if that makes sense for you. Other nurses might call out and there will still be patients to take care of. It might be a harder lift to volunteer for more shifts while working a 5x8, but you may find that it's a possibility when you're working 12 hour shifts. Just make sure that this is sustainable for your work life balance! The financial bonus can be really nice, but you have to put yourself and your health first to get enough sleep and provide excellent patient care.
So if you're a nurse, working 12 hour shifts might just be the way to go. Creating a profile on Fusion Marketplace allows you to browse available RN travel jobs filtered by your personal preferences, so you can find your perfect fit - and your perfect shift.
