12-Hour Shifts: Pros, Cons, and the 4 Days Off
Why 12s exist, what they cost, when to advocate for 8s.
12-hour shifts are standard for hospital nursing. They have real costs.
Pros
4 days off per week (typical 3x12 schedule). Continuity with patients. Less commute.
Cons
Physical exhaustion. Late-shift error risk increases. Family time on shift days = none.
Research on 8s vs 12s
Some research suggests increased errors in last 4 hours. Many nurses prefer 12s for lifestyle.
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