A great subject for debate can be found when pondering whether to accept an 8 hour or a 12-hour shift as a nurse. The flexibility versus the long hours, benefits versus risks, and the freedom to choose our own destiny can seem like a daunting task. While we all love to have choices in life, sometimes it tends to make things a little more complicated. When being faced with tough decisions, I have always found that writing down the pros and cons for each choice gives me the opportunity to weigh my advantages and disadvantages and tackle the challenge of making a wise decision.
As I started to research this topic, I found an abundance of pros and cons for each of the shifts. How do you choose the right shift for you? What is the best way to achieve work/life balance and how does this fit in with the shift you choose? When you are faced with making this challenging decision, explore the advantages and disadvantages of each shift to help you decide what you think is going to work best for you and your lifestyle.
When choosing which shift best fits you, it’s important to remember that you want to be your best while you are at work, but you also want to thrive at home and away from work.
First and foremost, you want to be comfortable, no matter which shift you are choosing.
Our custom fit scrubs are the only way to achieve maximum comfort. Let’s look at the advantages of the 8-hour work shift.
Recent studies have shown:
- 8-hour shifts cause less burnout.
- Better ability to stay alert, which leads to less errors and less injuries.
- Ability to be at home with your family during “peak” times.
- Three shifts to choose from, instead of two.
- More weekend time off.
- Easier to find childcare providers.
On the flip side, the disadvantages of an 8-hour shift include:
- More days on the job.
- Extra commute time and typically commuting during peak travel times, if on day shift.
- Additional fuel to get to work.Increased miles on your vehicle and maintenance cost oil changes, tires, etc.
- Less overall flexibility in your schedule
- .Fewer days off.
- Lack of ability to pick up an extra shift and earn some overtime.
- Three shift changes for the patient, reduction in continuity of care.
Heading on over to the 12-hour shift advantages:
- Weekdays off to run errands and schedule appointments.
- Decreased commute time.
- Less mileage and maintenance on vehicle.
- Lower fuel cost.
- Extra long periods of time off, 4-6 days at time allows for mini-vacations without having to use PTO.
- Ability to attend daytime school functions and sporting events for children by adjusting schedule.
- Continuity of care for the patients.
- Capacity to pick up an extra shift and earn overtime.
It’s not all peaches and cream though, there is a healthy list of disadvantages:
- Longer shifts increase fatigue, which can lead to errors and reduce the quality of patient care.
- Sleep and musculoskeletal disorders and pain from increased time on feet.
- Studies have shown an increase in mental health issues and anxiety.
- Increased chance for burnout.
- Additional health problems contributed to 12-hour shifts include gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.
- More weekend work.
- Difficulty finding childcare providers.
After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages to each shift, I think it is important to look at your current family dynamics, overall general health, as well as your ability to adapt and achieve work/life balance. What are you currently doing to take care of yourself and/or what should you be doing to take care of YOU! Explore these options and ideas to help you achieve a healthier balance because YOU are important, and you must take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else.
Start your day right by making sure you are drinking enough water, getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, exercising, and wearing comfortable clothing and shoes.
What’s for Dinner? Meal planning can help with eating healthier and saving time. There are a lot of fast and healthy meal suggestions on the internet. It is worth taking a little time once a week to figure out your menu and make your grocery list. It is easier and faster for grocery shopping and maybe someone else in your household could start dinner if you will be later than they are.
Get your workout on…exercising does not really have to be done all at one time, nor do you have to go to a gym. You could take a short walk on your break. You could park a little farther from the door when you go to work or the grocery store. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Every little bit adds up so don’t feel like if you cannot go to the gym for an hour, you cannot get your exercise in.
Housework Blues? Delegate some of the duties at home. This could mean a chore chart for the kids. Maybe you can hire a housekeeper once a week to take away that stress away. There is nothing better than working a long shift and coming home to an already clean house. Perhaps, you and your significant other could take turns cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping. No matter what you choose, make sure that you are not trying to do it all.
SuperStar! We all want to be SuperMom and SuperDad, SuperWife and SuperHusband while we are being a SuperNurse right? All that adds up to SuperWornOut. I know this is a difficult one but asking for help when needed is important. Sometimes it can be difficult to juggle your personal and professional life. You want both and you can have both, but there are times you will likely need help in achieving that goal. There is absolutely no shame in asking others for help. More times than not, others want to help you, but are unsure of the best way to do that. Be sure that you are communicating exactly what you are need.
Fun in the Sun! Schedule in time for fun and relaxation. Figure out what that looks like for you. You may want to schedule a date night with your significant other. How about taking that long family vacation every year? It could be that even just reading every night before you go to bed is your fun and relaxation time. It does not matter what it is, just make sure that you are taking some down time. It really will make you a happier person and more productive in the long run.
You knew it was coming…As difficult as it is...Unplug! Limit your screen time. Social media is a great way to stay in contact with friends and family, but the time can get away from you. Try setting a reasonable time limit, and you will gain some time in your day. There are also apps available to help with this, if it is difficult for you to self-limit your time.
Pay Attention! Be present when you are home. Take time with your kids and/or significant other. Try to eat dinner together. Have a family game night or cooking night. Avoid answering your phone or texting during these times. Whatever you are doing, give it your undivided attention.
It would be nice if we could wave our magic wand and make the RIGHT decision every time! Keep in mind, the best work shift is what gives you the best life, both on a personal and professional level. Remember that the right decision today, may not be the right decision in 5 years or 10 years. As your life changes, your needs change and adjusting your shift to accommodate those changes is going to help you balance your time on and off the clock. We are here to help make your life more comfortable