Nurses walking in a hospital during their daytime 5x8 shift. This image highlights the difference between traditional 4x12 nursing shifts and longer 4x12 nursing shifts, capturing the unique dynamics and environment of the latter.

What’s The Difference Between 5×8 Nursing Shifts and 4×12 Nursing Shifts?

When diving into the world of nursing and shift work, a major decision many nurses face is choosing between the traditional 5×8 nursing shifts and 4×12 nursing shifts. In healthcare scheduling, these shifts can make a difference in work-life balance, patient care continuity, and even factors like commuting and daycare for those with families. The 5×8 shift pattern often offers more regularity and a consistent schedule, which can be beneficial for maintaining a stable home life. On the other hand, the 4×12 shift provides longer breaks between work periods, potentially allowing for more extended rest and personal time. Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual preferences and life circumstances, as both schedules have unique advantages and challenges in the demanding field of nursing.

Let’s dive deeper to understand these shifts and provide insights that will be beneficial for those considering either option.

5×8 Nursing Shifts

A 5×8 nursing shift is when nurses work five days a week, putting in eight hours each day. It’s pretty much like the standard workweek you’d find in many other jobs. What’s nice about this shift is that it’s consistent and follows regular business hours, so nurses get their evenings free to enjoy.

Pros of Working an 8-Hour Nursing Shift:

  • A 5×8 schedule mirrors the traditional workweek of many other professions. This can make it easier to align personal and family schedules with those outside the nursing field.
  • It follows a consistent routine, which can be comforting if you like things to be predictable.
  • Working eight hours is challenging but less tiring than working for 12 hours, so you’re less likely to feel exhausted.
  • Transitioning between shifts tends to be smoother, which means fewer chances of missing important details when handing over patient care.

Cons of Working an 8-Hour Nursing Shift:

  • You have fewer days off in a row, which can make it a bit harder to plan vacations or spend quality time with family.
  • A 5×8 schedule may provide less flexibility than other shifts, which can make it challenging to juggle other commitments and responsibilities.
  • Going to work almost every weekday can sometimes feel a bit repetitive, especially compared to longer breaks that a 4×12 shift might offer.
  • You’ll need to travel to and from work more frequently, which can consume more time, fuel, and put wear-and-tear on your vehicle.
  • Depending on your workplace, you might have shorter breaks, and scheduling personal appointments or errands can be tricky.

4×12 Nursing Shifts

A 4×12 nursing shift is when nurses work for 12 hours a day, four days a week. These shifts typically run from either 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. This schedule condenses the workweek, giving nurses three full days off. Despite the long hours, many nurses in hospital settings really like this schedule because of those extended breaks. It helps them strike a great balance between their work and personal lives. And because healthcare requires continuous patient care, these 4×12 shifts fit well with that need.

Pros of Working a 12-Hour Nursing Shift:

  • Three full days off can be beneficial for rest, relaxation, or pursuing personal interests.
  • You spend less time commuting to work, which means you save time and money on transportation.
  • Those 12-hour shifts often come with longer meal breaks, giving you more time to rest during your workday.
  • Some nurses prefer the 4×12 schedule because of the extended days off, and they feel they can handle the longer hours.
  • Having that extra day off can be a lifesaver for running errands, spending time with family, or simply resting.
  • Being around your colleagues for longer hours can also help build better teamwork and communication.

Cons of Working a 12-Hour Nursing Shift:

  • Working for 12 hours straight can be physically and mentally demanding.
  • It might affect your sleep, diet, and even your social life, especially if you switch between day and night shifts.
  • Even though you work fewer days, the days you do work can feel very long, making it difficult to attend personal or family events.
  • For parents, while you work one less day, you might end up paying extra for extended daycare hours.
  • Repeatedly working longer shifts can have long-term health implications if you don’t take proper breaks and rest.
  • Research suggests that working twelve hours or longer leads to fatigue, which can affect your mental sharpness and make you less alert. As the hours drag on, fatigue can increase the risk of making mistakes in patient care.
  • And even though you have three days off, sometimes you might need that first day just to catch up on sleep.

When choosing between these two scheduling options, consider your personal preferences, family needs, health, and career goals. Some may prefer 5×8 nursing shifts for consistency, while others may opt for 4×12 nursing shifts for longer breaks and more extended days off. If you choose 12-hour shifts, prioritize your health and wellness to avoid nurse burnout during those long hours.

The recruiters at TheraEx Staffing Services can help you find the right travel nursing assignment and prepare you for success during your first assignment. Contact us today!

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