ALL nights or day/night MIX shift to pick? HELP! need to reply to recruiter!

[froggy8]

Hi all nurses.com!!

I am a new grad ready to start my new job soon, however had a question for you, the recruiter called me and asked if I wanted all nights or day/night mix shift.... I have no experience so wondering what the pros and cons and maybe what you would prefer picking and why?

ALL night shifts: i would have to adjust for only for the first few weeks??

Day/Night Mix shifts: i would constantly be adjusting my sleep schedule?? would i be a zombie?

THANKS in advance for any comments or advice!!:redbeathe

[malapata]

I like the variety of working both day and night shifts! We do self-scheduling at my job though and I can group my nights together so I'm not flip flopping back and forth between nights and days... More resources and things to see on days, but nights provide an intimate environment to get to know your coworkers and also opportunity to practice skills such as blood draws and IV insertion. Good luck whatever you decide!

[leaannf]

So the weeks you work nights, do you stay on that sleep schedule throughout the week. I assume you work 12's.

[cityknitty_RN]

Straight nights. Flipping is brutal. And nights is pretty fantastic :) Although, I've never been one who liked day shifts anyway. Straight nights is easier on the body than trying to flip between sleep schedules. I know this was later than you wanted, but just wanted to throw in my two cents!

[Merlyn]

all days or all nights you will screw you system up with mix. I just can't get up in the morning. I work 3-11 when I can in my younger days I could go all night. I found days too busy, too many chiefs around. I can't be bothered. On the other hand, the supervisors get to know you and your work. lot more chances for leaning and advancement. But I would suggest either days or knights. no mix.

[froggy8, BSN, RN]

Thanks all! I have picked all nights! but who knows... I have a feeling I might have to work some days too... just a feeling haha

[CAAMSE]

For those experienced with working the overnight shift -- what do you do on your days (actually nights) off and you're trying to keep the same sleep schedule to stay consistent? I'm assuming you would continue to be awake during what would be your work hours, so what do you typically do at home from 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. till 7:00 a.m. (for example) when everyone else is asleep?

[Merlyn]

For those experienced with working the overnight shift -- what do you do on your days (actually nights) off and you're trying to keep the same sleep schedule to stay consistent? I'm assuming you would continue to be awake during what would be your work hours, so what do you typically do at home from 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. till 7:00 a.m. (for example) when everyone else is asleep?

Some times you stay awake, some times go to sleep. It all depends on how tired you are. I'm a night person. I've been off nights for about five years still can't get up in the morning and still go to sleep at about 4AM. Different internal clock. Now back to your question. You try to keep on 11-7 time. But everyone is different.

[CAAMSE]

Thanks, Merlyn!

[Raven Sierra, BSN, RN]

Merlyn, I thought I was the only one! I did nights WEO - that was 5 years ago, and I still prefer the nights to the days. I've always been a night person; I don't "rise and shine," but I will be fine at 0300. Don't know what I was thinking when I switched to days. At 0630, I was a zombie coming on for day shift. The funny thing is that I was always awake and ready to go on the nights, no matter what unearthly hour it was. I plan on trying for another all-nights position when I graduate. Besides, the really fun stuff happens at night.

OP, you asked how to switch back and forth. I agree with PP - try to group your shifts together, if possible. I worked weekend option, so I had three 12s in a row, then Monday was "conversion day." Go home. Get any kids off to school. Nap for a few hours. Try to wake up around 1300-1400 or so. Have a nice day with family. Go to bed at a reasonable hour, and attempt the switch. Incidentally, I have since discovered that this method works for international travel as well.

The other option is to do what Merlyn does - keep a quasi-nocturnal schedule all the time. I did the above because of family obligations, but, given the choice, I would do like Merlyn. In fact, my schedule now is very similar to what (s)he described above.

Good luck with the new job!

[Merlyn]

Merlyn, I thought I was the only one! I did nights WEO - that was 5 years ago, and I still prefer the nights to the days. I've always been a night person; I don't "rise and shine," but I will be fine at 0300. Don't know what I was thinking when I switched to days. At 0630, I was a zombie coming on for day shift. The funny thing is that I was always awake and ready to go on the nights, no matter what unearthly hour it was. I plan on trying for another all-nights position when I graduate. Besides, the really fun stuff happens at night.

OP, you asked how to switch back and forth. I agree with PP - try to group your shifts together, if possible. I worked weekend option, so I had three 12s in a row, then Monday was "conversion day." Go home. Get any kids off to school. Nap for a few hours. Try to wake up around 1300-1400 or so. Have a nice day with family. Go to bed at a reasonable hour, and attempt the switch. Incidentally, I have since discovered that this method works for international travel as well.

The other option is to do what Merlyn does - keep a quasi-nocturnal schedule all the time. I did the above because of family obligations, but, given the choice, I would do like Merlyn. In fact, my schedule now is very similar to what she described above.

Good luck with the new job!

Sometimes it's fun to being a vampire.

[beckster_01, BSN, RN]

I know that you already made your choice, but I wanted to throw in my opinion since it is totally opposite of everyone else's. I work rotating days/nights and I love it. I usually work 2-3 weeks of nights then 2-3 weeks of days, but it varies. As long as I group my shifts and don't mix them up I am fine. There was one time when I picked up overtime and it worked out that I switched shifts about 8 times within two weeks...now THAT was miserable. But as long as you think about it and get to know what your body can handle you will be okay. I use to work straight nights and it turned me into a zombie. I was just always tired. Now, when I come off nights I will sleep about 6 hours, then get up for 4-5 hours, then I go to bed at a normal time (around 11). The next day I am totally back on schedule. The fact is that when I work the same shift I get bored/tired of it. Plus, through some of high school and all through college I worked part time jobs where I had to switch between night shift and day shift, so I am pretty accustomed to sleeping whenever/wherever.

I also think that switching shifts gave me some good experience as a new grad. It made it easier to get to know ALL of the providers, and to learn when it was appropriate to approach the night team vs. the day team with certain things. Since everyone rotates shifts except for the weekend contractors it also eliminates the day shift vs. night shift mentality.

Congratulations on your job by the way! Good luck!

[jtmarcy12, BSN, RN]

I would just choose just the night shift. Your body will already be off wrack, by putting your body through this day/night schedule could be harsh. Take Care!