Nights and weekends as neede

[Rexie]

A hospital in my area has recently been posting day shift positions that require evening and night shifts as needed. I've spoken to nurses who have taken these positions and they are already looking for other jobs because switching shifts is hard on them. I've seen hospitals that have rotating shifts but also have some positions that are strictly days. This hospital has said that all new day shift positions will require other shifts as needed. Is this a new trend? I hope it isn't.

[HyperSaurus, RN, BSN]

Rotating shifts are a rarity in my area. I work straight nights and love it. The only people I know of that work a rotating shift are the contingents--they can choose which shifts to pick up where ever there are open spots--one works straight nights, and the other works days or nights, as needed.

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

We don't have rotating shifts. Straight days or nights. Some people might pick up the other shift, if they want hours.

Don't think I would like it too much, unless it was at least, say 3-6 weeks of one shift, then 3-6 weeks of the other shift. Still wouldn't be my first choice.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Sometimes there is a difference in the official policy and the actual practice.

If you work in a place where there are lots of permanent night nurses and lots of nurses who prefer weekends, then you might be officially listed as a rotator, but actually work mostly day shift.

If those night nurses leave, and there is a need for nights, you will be expected to pick up more nights.