The main reasoning behind nurses working 12-hour shifts is how much work-life balance it brings. Though the hours may seem difficult at first, over time the shifts do offer nurses more flexibility.
After 12 hours, a nurse can enjoy a longer period of downtime and even enjoy a working week of just four days. As more businesses are becoming attuned to the benefits of a four-day working week, it is worth finding out why do nurses work 12-hour shifts.
In this guide, we will look at the reasoning behind why nurses work 12-hour shifts and provide a breakdown of a busy shift as a nurse.
The Pros Of Working A 12-Hour Shift As A Nurse
While the prospect of a 12-hour working shift may seem demanding and challenging, there are certain benefits.
Having completed a few shifts, a nurse can look forward to some time off during the working week which many workers in other jobs simply cannot experience.
For the benefit of the nurses and their patients, there is a reduced number of patient handoffs. The intensity of length of a 12-hour shift also means that nurses tend to learn the job better too, plus there are fewer commutes to deal with.
The Time Off During The Week
Though working a 12-hour shift as a nurse can prove difficult, it can also be rewarding.
There’s that time off for one as it comes during the weekday which many 9 to 5ers cannot enjoy without booking a holiday first (though there is the requirement to work a few weekends).
A nurse could go to the cinema during the afternoon and enjoy a largely empty screening. They could bake a showstopping cake or simply do those tedious tasks that need to be done, like heading to the DMV or the post office.
A Reduced Number Of Patient Handoffs
Patient handoffs can be a tricky business that, when done incorrectly, can lead to missed medication, symptom changes that go undocumented, and inaccurate medication doses.
With longer shifts, the number of patient handoffs is reduced so that miscommunication is less of a problem. This is more of a pro for patients but it is worth bearing in mind that the job is likely easier with fewer errors.
Learning The Job Better
There is a lot to be said about getting into the flow of a job and that can be improved with a longer shift. Sure, most people learn during a 9 to 5 but it can be more intense as a nurse.
Quickly enough, certain tasks can become second nature as you attune to the flow by doing the same task repeatedly. Twelve hours is a long time and such a period of uninterrupted and consistent work can really increase a nurse’s focus.
Fewer Commutes
With longer shifts, there are fewer of them during the working week. With fewer shifts, there are also fewer commutes to tackle which can make a difference.
If a nurse lives a fair distance away from work then the costs can be reduced week on week. Saving money on gas or car maintenance, or simply not having to get on public transportation can often be a positive.
With fewer commutes, there is also the chance to fit in some different activities during the week. Maybe take the dog out for a walk more often, cook a great breakfast as you have the time in the morning, or tackle that cleaning chore.
While everyone else is stuck in traffic, a nurse can be so much more productive.
A Breakdown Of A Busy Shift As A Nurse
To fit in a 12-hour shift during the day typically means starting early so you can expect to begin at 7am. As a nurse begins their shift, another nurse ends theirs and the night nurses should provide a report.
Once they check out and head home, the 12-hour shift begins with the morning rush. A lot of 24/7 facilities are designed for acute care patients which typically means working in the ICU, ER, or inpatient ward.
After four hours, around 11am, you can expect to get a 10 to 15-minute break. However, chances are that as soon as you sit down you are asked to deliver a patient’s pain medication or check up on another as they come back from surgery.
The time should fly by and by 3pm, a nurse should expect another break which should include a meal. A nurse may even get a full 30 minutes to take in some food and drink, maybe even decompress.
From the afternoon onwards, the nurse should be in the final stretch of their shift. To get them through, coffee is typically used for that last burst of energy.
This final break is used to catch your breath as the afternoon can seem frantic with lots to do before a nurse can head home. Before they know it, 7pm arrives, reports are written up and handed over to the night nurses, then it is time to head home.
Following a 12-hour shift, a nurse does get the chance to rest and recover which should be swiftly taken up. That means a good night’s sleep, maybe a boxset to set your mind at rest, and a good dinner.
A long warm bath can also help, as can a yoga session or some simple medication, maybe even taking care of a to-do list while there is some free time. There may be the temptation to get a few days off by stacking shifts in a row yet that can quickly fall apart due to tiredness.
Final Thoughts
While there is a body of thought that goes behind why a nurse works 12-hour shifts, there are some downsides to consider. Namely the fatigue that comes from staying on your feet for that long.
Towards the end of a shift, the body and mind can start to come under strain. There is also the prospect of an altered sleep schedule which can cause problems for a nurse and their partner.
Twelve-hour shifts have also been deemed responsible for some long-term health risks. This is also down to fatigue as well as the limited time for proper exercise and healthy meals.
Self-care is important so a nurse should make time for themselves and ensure they still enjoy a productive social life and a comfortable life at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are 12-Hour Shifts Known To Be Unhealthy?
Working long hours without a large enough break can lead to injuries and a higher risk of reduced job performance. Such a series of long shifts can also lead to obesity and even chronic diseases.
There is also the prospect of tiredness creeping in which could end up harming patients. After a long shift, tired nurses could also endanger themselves and others during the commute home.
How Many Breaks Should Nurses Expect During A Shift?
Like most employees in various states, a nurse should expect (and have the right to), 10-minute rest breaks each four hours during a shift. These should also be paid by the employer.