If you think that nurses work 9 – 5 jobs? Then think again, because when most people clock out at 5, nurses are just getting started. Nurses work 8 vs 12-hour nursing shifts, day shifts, night shifts, and even on weekends and holidays. If you are a nurse who wants to understand how nursing shifts work, well, in this blog, we will explain everything in detail. Both 8 and 12-hour nursing shifts have their own advantages and challenges. If you are a nurse who doesn’t want to work permanently at one location but wants to explore more while making money, then join SkillGigs now. SkillGigs gives you the freedom to choose your own schedule, location, and even pay. Apply for trending travel nurse jobs on SkillGigs and become part of our travel nursing world.
8 vs 12-hour nursing shifts
When we talk about working nurse hour shifts, it is not just about clocking in or clicking out, but it shapes the nurse’s entire work-life balance. Some nurses prefer working 8 hours every day, while some nurses choose working for 12 long hours and extra time off. Every nurse has their own preferences, and each nursing shift has its own pros and cons. Let’s break down how an 8-hour vs a 12-hour nursing shift works.
What does an 8-hour nursing shift look like for nurses?
During an 8-hour schedule, nurses work 8 hours per day, which is 40 hours per week. But this is not a typical 9 am to 5 pm job; it is split into three rotations.
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Night shift
Day shift: (7 am to 3 pm)
It is considered one of the busiest shifts of the day. The typical day for nurses working 7 am to 3 pm includes the following:
- Getting reports from the night nurse.
- Assessing priorities of the day, performing assessments, and administering medications.
- Patient care rounds, such as helping them with mobility, assisting them with daily activities etc.
- Performing midday tasks such as prepping patients for surgeries or procedures, monitoring lab results, providing follow-up care, and providing education to patients and their families about the treatments etc.
- In the afternoon, they reassess the patient, administer medications, provide treatments, and make sure that the patients are safe and comfortable.
- Finally, at the end of their shift, they document everything and hand off the report to the nurses who will be working the next shift.
Evening shift: (3 pm to 11 pm)
This shift is like a bridge between the hustle of the day and a quieter night ahead. The typical 3 pm to 11 pm evening shift for nurses looks like the following:
- Receiving detailed reports from the day shift nurses and prioritizing tasks.
- Giving afternoon care to patients, such as administering medications and assisting patients with daily routines.
- They handle a high volume of new admissions and prepare discharge papers for patients going home.
- These nurses also manage transfers to other units or facilities.
- Nurses working evening shifts wrap up their shift by providing bedtime care to the patients, completing charting and documentation, and handing off everything to the night shift nurses.
Night shift: (11 am to 7 am)
The night shifts are known as the quietest nights, but they are quiet on paperwork; in reality, night shift nurses carry the responsibility of keeping patients safe while the world is sleeping and also keep emergencies under control. The typical night shift for nurses looks like the following:
- Receive updates from the evening shift nurses and prioritize their tasks.
- Handle admissions from the ER, administer medications, and provide care to the patients.
- Night shift nurses prepare patients for the upcoming day.
- Manage emergencies and keep a close eye on patient vitals.
- At the end of the night shift, they complete their charting and hand off their reports to the morning shift nurses.
What does a 12-hour nursing shift look like for nurses?
Nurses working 12-hour shifts work 3 days a week and sometimes four. It is good for nurses who work long hours but want to work a few days a week. A typical 12-hour shift for nurses looks as follows:
- Day shift (7 am to 7 pm)
- Night shift (7 pm to 7 am)
- Nurses receive reports from the nurses or previous shifts and prioritize their tasks.
- Administer medication, provide treatments, and assist patients with daily activities.
- Coordinates with doctors and other healthcare professionals to discuss patient care plans.
- Day shift nurses also handle patient families and educate them, night shift nurses make sure that patients are comfortable during nighttime.
- Nurses working a 12-hour shift take 2 short breaks. They strategically plan their time to balance patient care and their rest.
- And by the end of their shift, they hand off the report to the other nurse working the following shift.
Pros and cons of 8 vs 12-hour nursing shifts
Choosing shifts depends on the nurse’s priority, as some nurses prefer 8-hour shifts and some prefer working a few days a week. No matter what you choose, both 8-hour vs 12-hour have their own benefits and challenges.
8-hour nursing shift:
Pros:
- Predictable routine, as nurses know their schedules and can plan accordingly.
- Less fatigue because they work 8 hours a day.
- Steady patient care.
Cons:
- Nurses work 5 days a week.
- They have fewer full days off.
- As they go to work daily, this means commuting more often.
12-hour nursing shift
Pros:
- As they work 12 hours a day, they have more days off a week, which means they only work 3 days a week and sometimes 4.
- They built a strong relationship with their patients.
- Most nurses prefer 12 12-hour schedule because it provides work-life balance.
Cons:
- 12 hours a shift can be exhausting and requires a lot of physical stamina.
- There is a higher risk of burnout.
- Half of the day, they are away from their families, which can be tough for their families.
What shift is better for nurses? 8 vs 12-hour nursing shifts
If you are a nurse who prefers short working hours and is fine with working 5 days a week, then an 8-hour nursing shift is perfect for you. You also have the option to choose from day shift (7 am to 3 pm), evening shift (3 pm to 11 pm), and night shifts, such as (11 pm to 7 am). You can choose your own schedule that works best for you.
If you are a nurse who wants to work a few days a week and prefer less commuting, then a 12-hour nursing shift might suit you. You can choose day shifts (7 am to 7 pm) or night shifts (7 pm to 7 am).
Choosing which shifts and hours they want to work depends on the nurse’s personal choices. If you want to work on your own terms and choose your own schedule, location, and shift time, then join SkillGigs now and explore different job opportunities that are perfectly tailored for you.
Do 12-hour nursing shifts cause more burnout in nurses?
Yes, 12-hour-long nursing shifts result in high fatigue and nurse burnout. It requires physical and mental stamina.
How many days a week do nurses work in 12 12-hour shift?
Nurses working 12-hour shifts work for 3 days a week, but sometimes 4 too.
Is a 10-hour work shift common in outpatient care?
Yes, a 10-hour nursing work shift is common in ambulatory care settings and outpatient clinics.
How many days do nurses work when they have 10 10-hour shifts?
They work 3 to 4 days a week.
Do travel nurses get to choose their own travel nursing assignments and schedules?
Yes, travel nurses have the freedom to choose their own travel nursing assignments, such as location, hours, day, or night shift, etc. SkillGigs provides the opportunity for travel nurses to choose the travel nursing contracts that best match their needs.
How much experience do you need to become a travel nurse?
If you are a nurse who wants to choose a travel nursing career, then you need at least 1 to 2 years of experience.
What is the salary of travel nurses?
The salary of travel nurses varies according to their location, facility, experience, and specialty. Nurse salary also depends on the bonuses or benefits they get.
Conclusion
As a nurse, choosing your shift type depends on your lifestyle and priorities, which might change from time to time. If you prefer a more predictable routine and fewer hours per day, then an 8-hour nursing shift is the best option for you. If you prefer fewer commutes and more days off, then a 12-hour nursing shift is the option for you to choose from. If you are a nurse who is thinking of becoming a travel nurse, then join SkillGigs, which opens the doors to travel nursing opportunities, and you can choose your travel nursing contracts according to your needs and interests. SkillGigs gives you the freedom and flexibility that you want in your travel nursing career. Sign up now and explore the best travel nursing jobs.
