Should You Consider 12-Hour Shifts?
Patrick S.
If you’ve spent any time in the healthcare industry you know that the option for extended shifts are out there. You’ve probably also had to decide whether picking up an extended shift was right for you. On one hand extra hours means more money, but on the other hand your work life balance is important too–right? It's a classic trade-off scenario: financial benefits versus personal time.
Take Susan for example; she works the 9-4pm shift as a radiographer at a local hospital, which she lives 30 minutes away from. Currently she enjoys her morning schedule. She wakes up at 7 a.m., grabs her morning coffee from the local café and relaxes before her shift. However, In a few months Susan has a trip to Hawaii planned and needs to save up for the trip and time off, and the thought of this is stressful. To fund her trip and cover the time off, she needs extra cash. Meanwhile her department manager is overwhelmed because the morning technician recently left and they haven’t been able to fill the spot. When offered the chance to start earlier and earn overtime, Susan is tempted. But how does one navigate these extended shifts without tipping the work-life balance scale?
How Can I Be Effective at Managing Extended Shifts?
- It starts with Time Management
For those like Susan, working long hours in radiology or any healthcare field, managing time effectively is crucial. But it's not just about juggling tasks; it's about nurturing your well-being. Opting for a balanced diet full of nutrient-rich foods (think fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and yogurt) can significantly impact your energy levels, stress management, and overall health. It's about making intentional choices: prioritizing nutritious meals over sugary temptations, regulating alcohol intake, and dedicating time to self-care activities. These small but impactful decisions can help sustain your well-being through those long shifts. - Maximize Your Break Time
Enduring a long shift can take a significant toll on both your mind and body, making breaks not just beneficial but essential. It's imperative to leverage every break you're afforded to mitigate stress and recharge effectively.
To truly rejuvenate during these pauses, steer clear of activities that could inadvertently heighten your stress levels. Watching intense crime dramas or delving into gripping thrillers might seem like a good idea but can actually keep your adrenaline running high. Opt instead for a leisurely walk or engage in calming activities that promote relaxation and restoration. - Request Shorter Work Weeks
The appeal of a 12-hour shift schedule isn't just in the extended hours but in the promise of a shorter workweek. This setup offers an intriguing opportunity to tailor your personal and professional life for optimal balance. For some, the prospect of having consecutive days off is a gateway to relaxation, hobbies, and quality time with loved ones—a perfect recipe for rejuvenation. - Reevaluate Your Days Off
For many who embrace compressed work schedules, longer shifts over fewer days are a trade-off for enhanced work-life balance and more substantial periods of downtime. However, a common hiccup arises when these precious days off are dispersed randomly throughout the week, preventing the uninterrupted rest and relaxation your body and mind require.
Should you find yourself in a situation where your off-days are scattered—thus hampering your ability to fully unwind—it may be time to propose a shift in your schedule. Aiming for at least two consecutive days off can significantly improve your recuperation. Fortunately, numerous employers recognize the value of such flexibility, often showing openness to scheduling adjustments that bolster overall morale and boost team efficiency.
Closing Thoughts
With the right approach, extended shifts can be more than just manageable; they can be a strategic choice towards a fulfilling career and life, especially by the financial benefits they offer. But it's about more than just enduring longer hours; it's about how you manage those hours and what you do with the time outside of them.
Effective time management, a conscious approach to nutrition, and prioritizing self-care are not just strategies but essential components of a lifestyle that accommodates and thrives on extended shifts.
In the end, the decision to work 12-hour or other extended shifts comes down to personal choice and circumstance. However, for those who choose to embrace this path, remember that success lies in how well you manage your time, health, and well-being. With the right approach, extended shifts can be not just manageable but a meaningful part of a fulfilling career and life. Maybe even the gateway to a trip to Hawaii!
