I have worked night shift for the vast majority of my nursing career. Although the hours and working conditions are sometimes tough, I would never consider switching to day shift.
Night shift staff, in general, are a different breed of species. We thrive off of coffee, adrenaline, and critical thinking.
I love that night shift has more of a family feeling, a camradarie I have rarely seen on the day shift. You scratch my back; I scratch your back.
I love that night shifters are more individualistic...I can be myself without having to worry if what i say or do will be misread or misconstrued as being offensive.
I love that night shift has its own rythem....usually insanity the first 5 hours, followed by a short lull at midnight.
I love that night shift staff can speak their minds and do their jobs more efficently without having to walk on eggshells or water down what comes out of their mouths.
I love that night shift staff arent watched like children in a playpen by the mid level and upper level managers just looking for an error to point out (no matter how insignificant).
I love that night shift staff get things done in conventional and unconventional ways - methods that day shift staff would panic over.
What happens on night shift, stays on night shift.
Yes, I think i will stay on nights for the rest of my career!
When I was younger, I worked night shift @ a major hospital here in California. Man, those were good times. What I remember the most about the nigh shift were all the women....Never mind.
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.
I work the night shift to minimize my contact with management, doctors, visitors, dietary, PT, OT, case management, medical records, vendors, and those hovering family members who like to verbally abuse staff and tell people how to do their jobs. When I report to work, I really hope that all of these people are planning to catch up on their sleep!
Unquestionably, you made mde LOL when I read your post. However, you do have a point, which reminds me the night/shifts I use to work; while I was in the BSN program during the day. Needless to say, it was the most difficult time for me, but my colleagues at the night-shift were my salvation; they would even quiz me when they knew I was going to take a test. Moreover, they would take turns and allow me to take 4hrs.of sleep, just to make sure that I made it alert for the test. Undoubtedly, that group of nurses taught me the true meaning of camaraderie. Here's to all of the night-shift staff of the world, I salute you and raise my cup to you!!! :cheers:
I really don't mind nights except I don't get to see my family as much as I would if I worked days, and I have two little kiddoes (13 month old and 3 year old, husband works from home, yay!) Oh and the fact that on my nights off (like this night for example) I'm sitting here at 0040 and not the least bit tired, and will be getting very hungry shortly.
Besides that, I like that when I come on shift at 2300 (or really 2230) I'm strolling in, I have time to sit down, read some notes on my patients, get report and relax- we don't have scheduled breaks, we just go if we want to (sure we have those nights where there is no such thing as a break and our chairs have no warm butt imprints). On the other hand when day shift comes in, they're hitting the ground running, they have to get things done before people go for dialysis, or down to the heart center or PT. They have patients kicking them out of their room so they can eat breakfast and yeah, then there's the gads of family members and "AYD's" (Arrogant Young Doctors: slick, snide young men and pseudo tough-girl, play like one of the boys young women who just assume the world has it out for them because they're women docs).
I love nights. Mostly my body adjusts well, I worked nights as a bartender and waitress for 18 years. My sleep schedule is weird on my days off but it is worth it. I don't do as much as I used to so I definitely am saving money.
Have been working days for about three years now. Just recently switched to nights 7p to 7a. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such less stress working nights!!! I was always proud to work days, because so many silly people strive to get to that shift , like it is a premium shift:)) Less stress, Less drama, Less patients families, ect............. will not ever, ever go to days again:)))))
I love nights too and when I gripe about job stress many ask me why don't I just go to days in which I look at them like they have 5 heads. NO WAY! Day shift is crabby, selfish, and just too many managers crawling around. Although I love nights, have been working nights for about 4 years I really need a day job. My sleep pattern is all wacky, I can seem to get enough sleep, and I'm getting cranky over it, so yes I have to depart from this lovely shift for now atleast.
I agree with the OP's points! I am very close with the two other nurses on NOCs as well as the amazing nursing aides. It is nice to be able to speak freely without feeling judged!
So true about night shift but I think day shift should be the ones getting paid more, since obviously they have to take the crap from managers, family members, and the other nurses on the floor. I have worked both shifts and know the differences very well.
I feel the exact same way...I CANNOT stand family members hovering over me trying to tell me how to do my job! Get a life! lol With that said I love the night shift as 95% of the time I dont have to put up with family
Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.
I'd give my left nut to work on night shift! However I am involved in so many projects and researches at work due to school, that at this time I dont foresee it happening! Maybe in 2.5 years when I am done with my MSN and start working on my PHD.
Specializes in Postpartum/Nursery about to enter NICU I.
I have been working the night shift since I started nursing 2 years ago. It can be a bit confusing to the body at times but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I think that the night shift family is amazing we work so well together and often work with limited support but get the job done without complaint or whining. I think I will stick with the night shift as long as I can.
TheMediaLies
30 Posts
When I was younger, I worked night shift @ a major hospital here in California. Man, those were good times. What I remember the most about the nigh shift were all the women....Never mind.