I hate night shift-career change?

Nurses Career Support

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Hey guys I need some advice. I graduated last May 2016 and started my first nursing job in a NICU in september 2016. I love my job, and my patient's, however I hate working night shift. It has increased my depression and anxiety. When I'm trying to sleep for my first shift I never sleep, i hate anxiety attacks and I feel secluded from the rest of society. I have been looking for day shift positions, but i know they're hard to find for new grads, I would prefer to get a weekly nursing position but I know that's even harder to find. (theres about 7 year wait on getting day shift on my unit). Any advice on what to do? I love my job, and my babies, but I'm not sure how much longer I can work weekends, holidays, and nights. :(

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Four months really isn't long enough to become competent in your job or acclimated to the schedule. There are many threads out there about becoming acclimated to the schedule. Here's one:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/night-shift-for-531465.html

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Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

how many people are ahead of you, once someone leaves, to get to day or evening shift?

unless the unit has a lot of longevity, if you stay for a while, you will likely be able to move to days after folks leave/move on/retire

keep your eyes open if you really hate nights, but NICU positions are hard to come by, particularly for new grads...-- if you love it, stick with it for now

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