[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It wasn’t until the 1970s that hospitals introduced the 12-hour shift to combat a national nursing shortage.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The 12-hour shift for nurses causes burnout due to long hours, heavy workload, and poor social support. [/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Strategies to survive 12-hour shifts include taking breaks, self-care, and changing shifts. 12-hour shifts can also benefit those going back to school. [/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Fact-Sheet”]American Association of Colleges of Nurses[/hen-ui-link] reports that 55% of nurses work in hospitals. The majority of these nurses will work 12-hour shifts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nurses love 12-hour shifts because it provides work/life balance and flexibility. But does working 12-hour shifts also cause burnout?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Studies on nursing and burnout consistently report that a combination of a heavy workload, low control over the job, poor social support, and long working hours can lead to nurse burnout.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore how nurses can gain control over their workday, resulting in a healthier work/life balance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]History of the 12-Hour Shift[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing profession has a long history of [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]nursing shortages[/hen-ui-link]. After World War II, nurses left the profession, citing low wages, poor working conditions, and lack of respect. Nurses demanded better salaries, better benefits, and a 40-hour work week.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It wasn’t until the 1970s that hospitals introduced the 12-hour shift to combat the national shortage.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The new longer shifts allowed nurses to have more work/life balance and work fewer hours during the week. It also provided continuation of care for patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For hospitals, the 12-hour shift meant less payout for overtime. They also relied less on agency nurses to fill in shortages.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It was a win-win situation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The 12-hour shift is still used today to incentivize nurses to remain in the profession and continue working in the hospitals. Karen Donofrio, RN, MSN, agrees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”I would not be a bedside nurse if I had to be there five days a week. I think 12-hour shifts keep a log of nurses at bedside,” Donofrio says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But after decades of nurses working 12-hour shifts, research found that many suffer from fatigue, sleep deprivation, and burnout.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Donofrio has been working 12-hour shifts for over 15 years. Although 12-hour shifts have allowed her more flexibility and less need for babysitting, she acknowledges the disadvantages of working extended shifts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”It is a very long day that is draining both physically and mentally,” Donofrio says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How 12-Hour Shifts Can Cause Burnout[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Burnout Defined[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Increased mental distance from one’s job[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reduced professional efficacy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases”]World Health Organization[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sarah Corallo, RN, AE-C, felt burnt out years into working 12-hour shifts. She describes feeling physically exhausted and emotionally drained.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”I found that I dreaded going into work because I knew how tired I’d be at the end of my shift,” Corallo admits. “I was frustrated because I started losing interest in the work I did even though I absolutely loved what I did for a living.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With the current [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown//”]nursing shortage crisis affecting all states[/hen-ui-link], many hospitals are short-staffed and nurses don’t get proper breaks, Donofrio points out. This is another reason why nurses are burnt out.[/hen-ui-text][their] basic needs aren’t met,” Donofrio says.[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although the longer shift is popular among nurses, 12-hour shifts are linked to long-term health risks. Research shows continual exposure to stress is taxing on the body and affects mental health, causing nurses to feel the effects of burnout. Nurses who work 12-hour shifts are more likely to report feelings of:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Stress[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fatigue[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depression[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anxiety[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Corallo worked 12-hour shifts for over 15 years. She has since transitioned to an eight-hour shift position.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”The 12-hour bedside shift was definitely more tiring than my eight-hour office-based shift. Even after a year, I still feel like I’m working half days,” Corallo says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working “three in a row,” a term coined by nurses to describe working three consecutive days, is also linked to burnout. Corallo points out that a 12-hour shift isn’t simply a 12-hour day. It’s more like a 14-16-hour day when you factor prep and commute time. That can equate to working over 40 hours in three days.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”In a hospital-based setting, those days are long. Sometimes going in when it’s dark and coming out when it’s dark just adds to the mental exhaustion,” Corallo says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A 12-hour shift is exhausting, especially when it comes to bedside nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Bedside nursing is physically and emotionally demanding, and 12-13 hours on your unit takes a toll on the body and psyche,” Corallo points out.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6776174/pdf/ACTA-90-53.pdf”]Studies find[/hen-ui-link] that nurses who work longer, consecutive days have an increased risk of injury. Shift work or work that falls out of the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. is also linked to a greater risk of:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Higher body mass index[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Obesity[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Poor diet[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Less exercise [/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Circadian rhythm disruption[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiovascular disease[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diabetes [/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Back, knee, and shoulder pain[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses need to be conscious of these risks. When working long shifts, they must create a plan and recognize when their health is affected.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Pros of 12-Hour Nursing Shifts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are benefits to working 12-hour shifts. Having days off during the week is a huge bonus. Knowing you can have consecutive days off helps plan your life and helps you catch up on much-needed rest. Another benefit is spending more time with family, especially your children.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Corallo points out that when she had younger children, being home more days of the week and having only 2-3 weekdays to worry about childcare and paying for it was a major benefit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working a 12-hour shift also allowed Corallo to finish school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”It allows for flexibility for clinicals and other class time,” Corallo says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Survive a 12-Hour Nursing Shift[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When you are a new nurse or a nurse who chooses to work in the hospital, you may not have the luxury of picking your shift. If you work 12-hour shifts, here is some advice on how to survive it.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Take Your Breaks[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If your facility offers breaks, take them. Get off the unit and decompress whenever you can. “Let your days off be restful and find time to do things that help you recharge for your next shift,” Corallo says.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Know the laws in your state. Here is a list of meal break labor laws [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks”]by state[/hen-ui-link] in the private sector.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Break Up Your Days[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s a good idea to stack up your work days, but have at least 2-3 days off after you work consecutive days. When you are off, Corallo recommends finding time to keep up with hobbies, exercise, or do activities that make you feel good about yourself.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Listen to Your Body[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming self-aware takes time. But once you start paying attention and listening to your body, you will be able to feel confident enough to say “no.” Use these extra hours to plan if you need to recharge. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//self-care-for-nurses/”]Self-care for nurses[/hen-ui-link] is a great way to help you re-energize.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Change Shifts[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you notice the effects of burnout, switching to another shift isn’t a bad idea. Nursing jobs have eight- and 10-hour shifts. If you can, work part time or per diem nursing jobs. Changing shifts temporarily or permanently can positively affect your physical and mental health.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Get Your Master’s[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nurses decide to go back to school to get their master’s as a way to increase their shift options. Many nurses decide to become nurse educators or nurse practitioners (NPs). [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nurse-practitioners-fastest-growing-occupation/”]NPs are one of the fastest-growing professions[/hen-ui-link] today, so becoming an NP is a sure way to control your working hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can negotiate your shift hours, salary, and benefits. To have full control over your shifts, consider opening your [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/how-to-start-your-own-private-practice-as-a-nurse-practitioner/”]own practice as a nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Meet Our Contributors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Karen Donofrio, RN, MSN, CPEN, TNCC” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300/v1631039417/NurseJournal.org/profile-rounded_525552b351.png” img-alt=”Karen Donofrio, RN, MSN, CPEN, TNCC” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Karen Donofrio has been a pediatric emergency room nurse for over 15 years. She has a master’s degree in nursing education. She is also a certified pediatric emergency nurse and trauma nurse core course certified.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Sarah Corallo, RN, AE-C” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300/v1631039417/NurseJournal.org/profile-rounded_525552b351.png” img-alt=”Sarah Corallo, RN, AE-C” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Sarah Corallo is a registered nurse and certified asthma educator. She worked at a major children’s hospital for 16 of her 17 years working as a nurse. Corallo has experience in both pediatric psychiatric nursing and pediatric emergency and trauma nursing. Her true passion is community health and injury prevention. She currently works as a school nurse at a local elementary school and loves every minute she gets with her little patients.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Sources”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon:” International classification of diseases. (2019).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases”]https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]d’Ettorre G et al. (2019). Assessing and preventing low back pain in nurses. Implications for practice management. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6776174/”]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6776174/[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum length of meal period required under state law for adult employees in private sector 1. (2022). [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks”]https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/meal-breaks[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing fact sheet. (2022). [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Fact-Sheet”]https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Fact-Sheet[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]