[jamonit]

i spoke with my manager today, i begin precepting in the PICU during the day shift. in may, she is going to switch me to the night shift. i'm a little disappointed, as i would prefer to work days. she said i'm 'on the list for days.' do you think it will be hard to switch after learning days?

[janfrn]

Nights are generally much more relaxed and low-key. There's more a sense of routine on nights that you can't have during the day, with the unit full of consultants, therapists, social workers, dietary staff and visitors. The kids are still just as sick, but there's often more time to read the chart, check on test results, review consults and things like that. It's also a great time to provide support to families. There's something about a dimly lighted room that invites people to open up, let down their defenses. I could no sooner give up my night shifts than I could fly to the moon! I work half and half, and look forward to spending time really knowing my patient and family on those nights.

[AliRae]

I'm with Jan. Although I don't get to work all that many nights, I love them when I do. It's true that days are generally more fast-paced and there are more opportunities to learn (its a rare doc who round anywhere near as thoroughly at night), but its ICU. Kids don't stop being critically ill because it's after 8 PM. =) I'd definitely stay on the list for days, but don't be too worried about nights.

[jamonit]

thank you both!

i'm still trying to get used to the idea of working in general....feels like i was a student for an eternity. just nervous, i'm sure. anyway, thank you for your input. i feel a little better about it now.

you guys are the best!

[climberrn]

Originally Posted by janfrn

Nights are generally much more relaxed and low-key. There's more a sense of routine on nights that you can't have during the day, with the unit full of consultants, therapists, social workers, dietary staff and visitors. The kids are still just as sick, but there's often more time to read the chart, check on test results, review consults and things like that. It's also a great time to provide support to families. There's something about a dimly lighted room that invites people to open up, let down their defenses. I could no sooner give up my night shifts than I could fly to the moon! I work half and half, and look forward to spending time really knowing my patient and family on those nights.

Yah, what she said! My body loves days but I definitely like the opportunities that nights offer: more time with families, time to read the chart, brush up on the current disease process, etc. etc..

[BittyBabyGrower]

We often precept on days because it is busier and there are more things to do and see, then we send them to their designated shift. Working nights for new people is good because it is quieter (usually) and you can really concentrate on what you are doing and the families do open up more!