Discuss 'New kind of shift'

[cougarnurse]

What do you think of this? New kind of shift: 7/70

[Big Al]

I like it. A ten isn't so bad, and a seven day strech is managable. I thi k it will be a good recrutment tool. I think it would be good for care because you get to see the unit for longer and are more on top of issues that are developing or in progress then if youre on one day off the next two and then back again ya know.

[cougarnurse]

I understand what you're saying; had one or two things come up at work like that lately: mainly 2 residents go sour.

We work on the alternating weekend rotation, and another nurse has a 2nd job, so don't thing this would work for her,

[nursinghumor]

I would give it a try for a year or so. Hell, would love having a week off every other

Could schedule all our social events for the week off and minimize things during the week on.

Know a lot of people who would like that kind of scheduling.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursefriendly.com

[Robert F]

We have used 7 on 7 off for many years in EMS. We also use 24 on, 48 off, and 48 on 48 off. I think the variation in shifts is a positive thing. However, I suppose it depends on the individual.

[cali510]

I could see this if I'm working night shift. But otherwise, it would still be difficult to schedule other recurring activities around it. How my day goes depends on whether I am able to work other things in and around work from Monday to Friday.

[cougarnurse]

I honestly don't think this would work on this end: Whereas a full week off would be great, you'd still need other staff to fill that empty space. Also, 7 straight days on would be detrimental to my mental health.

[nursinghumor]

Originally Posted by cougarnurse

I honestly don't think this would work on this end: Whereas a full week off would be great, you'd still need other staff to fill that empty space. Also, 7 straight days on would be detrimental to my mental health.

It's no different from when a person decides to work nights, or only weekends to accommodate childcare or family needs.

We work the shifts we need to for family, school to function.

This is one other option available. It might work for some and not for others. I like having as many options available as possible. It is not a shift I'd like to have shoved down my throat and told to take it or leave it.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursefriendly.com

[Robert F]

Originally Posted by cougarnurse

I honestly don't think this would work on this end: Whereas a full week off would be great, you'd still need other staff to fill that empty space. Also, 7 straight days on would be detrimental to my mental health.

Cougar, in EMS we have an A, B, C, D shift system.

A shift = Week 1 7am to 7pm
C shift = Week 1 7pm to 7am

B shift = Week 2 7am to 7pm
D shift = Week 2 7pm to 7am


This way, everyone gets 7 days of 12 hour shifts and 7 days off, works like a charm.

[cougarnurse]

Oh, I understand the concept and all. It's just not for me. No matter what, 7 days straight and I would NOT mix.

I like my 'short' days, as I am at least working with someone I know I can trust. Only problem is---nursing shortage + the pay + other assorted things = no other nurse scheduled on my long days. Blah.