would you prefer monday-friday 3-11pm or the weekend shift??

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Feb 10, 2012

They both sound good for learning. I wouldn't worry about that part. You just have to ask yourself if you can pay the bills, and how would either affect your free time or family/friends time?

conscientiousnurse · Feb 11, 2012

Another consideration, although not as important, would be whether there would be nursing management on site on the weekends. And would you be the only nurse there on the weekend, or would there be someone else there? (You didn't say how large your facility was, so just checking.) It is nice to have others to bounce things off of, especially when you're a new grad (a fellow staff nurse that is experienced would be just as good in this aspect as a nursing manager). On the other hand, some nurses don't like the pressure of being under the eyes of the DON and ADON, depending on the DON's personality and whether they like to "micro manage."

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Feb 12, 2012

In this economy, you're lucky to have your choice. In my humble opinion, you should do the 3-11 shift. There is much more going on--admissions usually happen on that shift--treatments and meds, dealing with families. It seems to be the better shift to learn new skills. On the night shift, at least in my building, we don't have scheduled meds or treatments because people should be sleeping during those hours. The 6am med pass can be heavy with blood sugars, fosamaxes, and synthroids...although we're changing the times of any med we can to avoid waking someone up just to give them meds.You're the only one who knows how these different shifts will work into your life.Good luck and congratulations on the job offer.

Lynx25, LPN · Feb 14, 2012

If you can, get weekends- much less administration to bother you about silly petty things.

Weekdays here make me want to gouge my eyes out with a rusty spoon.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Feb 14, 2012

Do the weekends.