Going from nights to days

[beeker]

Anyone done this? How hard was the transition? I desperately want a day shift position but I am terrified of the pace of days and all the chaos. But for my family, day shift would be so much better. Anyone have any advice or experience?

[akf100]

Your body will love you on day shift. I did rotating shifts for the first 2.5 years in the ICU and in general I liked nights better because they were quieter and less people around. I recently switched to the PACU where we do a variety of day shifts and I feel SO much better. I feel like I have an entire extra day off every week because I am not spending time sleeping to prep or get over night shift.

[kirsnikity]

Switching to day shift was the best decision! I did nights for 5 years and it was not a hard transition at all. I've been on days for a year now. In my department (L&D) it is a little more chaotic during the day with scheduled surgeries, more visitors, the presence of management, and more ancillary staff in and out of the unit. However, I am so much more alert and functional that the extra chaos does not bother me at all.

If day shift will be better for your family, go for it! They are far more important than your work hours. You will probably sleep better and feel more rested on your days off. Give it a try and if you don't like it you'll probably be able to go back to nights, but it could be a long time before another day shift opportunity arises.