12-Hour Shifts Vs. 10-Hour Shifts: Pros and Cons of a 3 or 4 Day Workweek
One of the perks of being a nurse, at any degree level, is that schedules can be flexible. Many nursing roles are 24-hour jobs, which means nurses can work various shifts and hours…patient care does not always end at five o'clock! Choosing to work alternate shifts is a choice that is available to many RNs. Eight, ten, or twelve-hour shifts in exchange for more days off are commonly offered to nurses in many organizations. So what are the pros and cons of working longer days?
Advantages
Continuity of Care
One of the most significant benefits for nurses who work 12-hour shifts is continuity of care. Rather than having three nurses in a 24-hour period, they have two: a day nurse and a night nurse. Continuity of care leads to building trust between patients, families, and nurses. This rapport helps to improve outcomes and recovery and even leads to a reduction in healthcare costs.
Reducing Communication-Related Errors
Much like the game of telephone, the more information passed around, the higher the risk for miscommunication. In fact, the Joint Commission reported that at least 80% of serious medical errors result from miscommunication between caregivers during handoff. The information transferred could be incorrect or perhaps include omissions, leading to patient care delays or injury. With only two nurses transferring information, the risk of miscommunication is reduced.
Shorter Work Week
As caregivers, nurses have a high rate of burnout. Working longer shifts translates to more days off during the week in which nurses can spend time with their families, take care of personal health needs, or enjoy their hobbies or recreational activities. This is critical in recharging nurses to be at their best when they return to work to care for others. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is difficult to achieve, but some nurses contend that working 10 or 12-hour shifts makes it easier to do so.
Disadvantages
Longer Work Days
Working 10 our 12-hour days may mean more days off during the week, but it also means a longer work day. Those with families might find that a 10 or 12-hour day cuts into personal time. Nurses may find it hard to enjoy meals with their families, participate in school functions, exercise, or take care of their own health needs. Night shift nurses may find that coming home from work in the morning, sleeping during the day, and waking up and going right back to work can be draining. Holidays may also present a challenge, as most of the day is either spent at work or sleeping.
Burnout/Injury
Nursing can be a physically and emotionally draining job. More and more care is being shifted to the outpatient setting, which means that the patients who are hospitalized have a high acuity (meaning more nursing care is required). Nurses notoriously run non-stop throughout their shift, skipping breaks (including bathroom breaks!) or working on their breaks. The inability to stop and take a rest for long periods of time, combined with a job that requires lots of time on the feet, can lead to physical and mental burnout as well as injuries.
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Errors
The more tired the nurse, the higher the risk for medical errors. As stated above, long shifts with sometimes rushed breaks can lead to physical and mental fatigue. As a result, nurses may experience mood disorders, low productivity, and reduced critical thinking, which places the nurse at risk of making a medical error or omitting a critical intervention or task. Nurses who work extended shifts should speak up and ensure they get adequate, uninterrupted breaks.
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Which is Right For You?
Determining which work schedule is right for you involves considering various factors and evaluating how each option aligns with your priorities, preferences, and lifestyle. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
- Assess Your Preferences: Reflect on your personal preferences regarding work hours, days off, and work-life balance. Consider whether you prefer longer workdays with more consecutive days off or shorter workdays with a more traditional schedule.
- Evaluate Your Lifestyle: Take into account your personal commitments, family responsibilities, and outside interests. Consider how different work schedules would impact your ability to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
- Consider Your Health and Well-being: Assess how different work schedules may affect your physical and mental health. Reflect on your ability to manage fatigue, stress, and overall well-being with various shift lengths and patterns.
- Review Job Requirements: Consider the demands of your job and how they may influence your choice of work schedule. Evaluate whether your job responsibilities are compatible with longer or shorter shifts and whether certain schedules offer better opportunities for career growth or advancement.
- Seek Feedback: Talk to colleagues who work different schedules and ask about their experiences. Gain insights into the advantages and challenges of various work schedules from those who have firsthand knowledge.
- Experiment if Possible: If your employer offers flexible scheduling options or temporary assignments, consider trying out different work schedules on a trial basis. This can help you assess how well each schedule fits your needs and preferences.
- Consult with Your Employer: Discuss potential scheduling options with your employer or human resources department. Inquire about available alternatives and any policies or procedures related to scheduling changes.
- Listen to Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and intuition when making your decision. Consider how each option feels to you and whether it resonates with your overall sense of well-being and fulfillment.
- Be Open to Adjustment: Keep in mind that preferences and circumstances may change over time. Be open to adjusting your work schedule if needed to better align with evolving priorities and goals.
