So, I was next on the list to go to day shift on my unit. I accepted without reservation (have always wanted days, just knew I needed to wait my turn). I feel like an entirely different person, feel like "me" again. Cheerful, optimistic again, more quality time off, time to spend with my husband. It's great! I made the best of it before, but still always felt tired no matter how much sleep I got.
Didn't take any time to adjust at all. Felt better immediately. I knew this would happen since whenever I took vacation time before for just a week off, I felt normal during that week. I loved who I worked with on nights, and will miss them, but the day people are cool, too, and it's awesome that when I get 3 days off, I actually have 3 whole days off.
Either way, it's a day off! The birds are chirping, and it's beautiful! A month ago, I would have said, "Ugh, stupid birds. Just start raining so I can sleep."
I will say: If you're wondering whether or not you need a change of shift or new job, wait for the change of shift at your job first. Feeling rested on days off makes a huge difference on one's outlook on just about everything. I will also say: new nurses new to ICU? It's best to start on night shift so you can learn. I think most new nurses would drown on day shift on my unit, and that's probably the case for other units, as well.
On June 6th I will be leaving the dark side to join the ranks of the sun seekers. I am excited and hesitant in the same breath. I have always loved nights, I really am a night owl. I wake up when everyone else is going to sleep. I don't do mornings unless I'm already up :), but I recently had some time off between jobs and realized the idea of a day shift seemed intriguing, especially with weekends. I always hated having to work Friday into Saturday on my off weekends, because I lost most of my Saturday. Even though I still had Sunday, most everyone was winding down getting ready for work on Monday and here I was ready to go. I also hated that my day off during the week, wasn't really a day off. The only reason I considered this day position is because it's only 5 miles from my home, it's an 8-hour shift and I don't have to get up at a ridiculous hour...I think I can manage that (I hope!).
Yikes, my nights weekend is Friday night into Saturday and Saturday night into Sunday. So, on off weekends you may get off work Fri morning, but don't have to go back that night. Unlike dayshift, where I work almost every single Friday...
Do-over, ASN, RN
1,085 Posts
Yikes, my nights weekend is Friday night into Saturday and Saturday night into Sunday. So, on off weekends you may get off work Fri morning, but don't have to go back that night. Unlike dayshift, where I work almost every single Friday...