7-3 vs 11-7 LTC rehab

[rnguy253]

Hi all, I'm a newer nurse working at my first job at a SNF on a rehab floor. It is so far a pretty good learning experience. We have on average at least 2 admissions and discharges a day I'd say. (which happen on 1st and 2nd shift) Often More. I was hired for 11-7 and have been working 11-7 solidly for over a month now. A 7-3 position is opening up at my work and my co workers/boss want me to switch to 7-3. Originally 7-3 or 3-11 was my first choice but 11-7 is growing on me. And my work is kind of mad at me because all along they thought I wanted 7-3 instead of 11-7. And now that a position is open they are acting like I should switch to days but anyway, I get $3.00 shift diff on nights. The pace is slower than days but still extremely busy. I'm often staying at least 1.5hrs late each day. What are your opinions on what shift is best? 7-3 I think would be a better learning experience and being a new grad I'd benefit more from that shift. But on the negative side all the management is there, report with morning meeting, NP's report, family meetings, $3.00 less an hour. More work I feel. etc. 11-7 negatives. Paperwork which I hate, monthly changeover which I hate. poorer personal life Sleeping all day is not that ideal for me and I need 7-8 hrs sleep but I'm not exactly a morning person either, less staff, not as much support and more.

All my night co workers say I should stay on nights because days is too crazy at my facility which makes me not want to switch plus I get more $ on nights. And all the day people say I should go to days because I would do great. I am just having a hard time deciding.

What would you do?

[anewsns]

I like days because if stuff comes up you can collaborate with a bunch of people.. The independence of the other two shifts sometimes makes me scared.. I'm mostly a 3-11 girl for a variety of other reasons

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

Go with your heart- sounds like you want to stay on NOCS for now, at least.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

As someone who has worked all shifts in LTC rehab, here is my assessment of the various shifts:

-Day shift = fast and furious pace

-Evening shift = annoying due to the admissions and interruptions from families

-Night shift = breathable shift, but more paperwork

In other words, pick your poison. Each shift has its advantages and drawbacks. Good luck to you.

[Nurse_Kimurtle, BSN, RN]

I have worked all 3 shifts my favorite is the current shift I am on now: 11p-7a. I like this shift better because I don't have to deal with the distractions that the other shifts provide, such as management up in my face while I am passing my medications. That is my #1 aggravation. This shift is less stressful BUT when 2am hits, a few residents start going nuts. My facility doesn't offer shift differential. My husband HATES that I am on this shift but it works for me with going to school, finishing up my pre-reqs for the RN program. My husband would prefer that I work 7-3 but that is the most stressful shift of them all. Once I am in the RN program, I will be working the 7-3 shift on a part time / PRN basis only. For now, 11-7 works for me.

[tsm007]

Have you ever worked a 7-3 shift there? I hate day shift. I pick up day shift from time to time, but it's so much harder for me. I am also a new grad. I am agency so I float to different facilities. There are a couple places that I go that I think I could handle day shift, but there are other places no way. If you are thinking about it, ask them if you could cover a day shift for a day or two and see how you feel about it. I don't see any point deciding it's better or worse without trying it first.

[rnguy253]

Thanks everyone, I still have time to decide and do have the option to try it out for a few days if I wanted to! I did start with days when I was orienting and I remember I couldn't wait to get off that shift. I hated getting up early and it was just so overwhelming with everything and lack of experience calling doctors, etc. I think that's part of the problem. But now I'm on nights and it's isn't particularly my favorite either. I do not like the less support and sometimes being the most qualified on my floor and working with another nurse that can't answer my questions when I have them. (Only one of the nurses I occasionally work with) stresses me out. I also hate being on the opposite schedule of my partner who is also a nurse but on days. It's been harder on our relationship. I've spent all my working years thus far in various positions in LTC and I think that no matter what I do I probably won't be completely satisfied. Currently in a bachelors program so can't wait to get that done and move on to a different path but am not completely sure what yet at all!