I am a full-time RN working in a public hospital and have been advised that my ward will be starting 12-hour shifts. What does this mean and do I have to participate?

Participation in 12-hour shifts must be voluntary and alternative shift options must remain available. A 12-hour shift usually spans 12.5 hours, including one 30-minute unpaid meal break and two 20-minute paid tea breaks. During night shifts, a further one hour paid break or two 30-minute paid breaks should be provided.

A maximum of three 12-hour shifts can be worked in a row, with a minimum 11.5-hour break between shifts. An employee may be rostered for four consecutive shifts once in each 6-week cycle at the request of the employee. Either a 6-week (19 x 12hr shifts) or 4-week (12 x 12hr shifts + 1 x 8hr shift) model is used. No overtime can be worked under a 12-hour shift arrangement.

The Association should be notified of any new 12-hour shift arrangements prior to it starting, and you should also be able to opt out of working 12-hour shifts with one roster period notice.