Is 3rd shift all there is for new nurses?

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Jul 27, 2005

Unfortunately, in my experience, seniorty is the key to a day positon. but don't fret, as it is not impossible. Where I work, nobody on nights is interested in going to days. It depends on the crowd, i guess. if you work with nurses who have childcare issues, they may not jump at that day position. If you work with people who can't stand their NM :chuckle , then you may get to days sooner than you think. A number of people at my current job landed day spots after their orientation. Of course they were not hired for days- these positions became available after they started It's a young group- nurses are switching their status constantly (ususally due to new babies). I think my NM gives them a we'll see attitude when they're interviewed.

Also, remember there are specialties in which nites don't really exist. I know someone who was hired as a new grad to the OR. 11am-11pm, 4 days a week. There's a weekend call system (like every six weeks), but she can't even do that until she is well on her own. Also, in places like the ED, there are weird swings shifts, which are sometimes hard to fill (like 11a-11p, b/c it's very busy).

But if you're talking a regular unit, consider yourself lucky if you get a day position. but it's not impossible.

Wannabe2 · Jul 27, 2005

Thank you. Still thinking about it. I like the job security aspect of nursing, but I make more now than a beginning nurse so it'd be quite a transition, and for a number of years -- from what I hear on other threads. The new nurses don't seem to think they are paid what they are worth. I didn't realize the U.S. was importing so many cheap nurses from the Philippines.

sun_chica · Aug 1, 2005

Just my 2 cents... if your 48yo & making more $ than you would as a nurse, I would stay in your current profession. Nursing is very demanding & hard on your body. I'm 24 & I'm already tired of all the heavy lifting & moving (I work on a tele unit, more cardiac & resp issues, not even ortho).

But that being said, sounds like you have a supportive husband (who's a doc) that probably makes a decent living, so the $ issue may not be too important. I just think of banking away $ for retirement???

Ultimately, you need to be happy & feel fulfilled in your career choice, nursing may be your "cup of tea", in that case go for it! Good luck no matter what you decide:p

One last note, I work nites & been on my floor ~8months... 2 ft day positions just opened up since 2 new mommies are staying home. So, if you put in your time & let you NM know what you want, it'll open up for you:)

Mulan · Aug 1, 2005

I have worked places where new grads got day shift immediately upon hire, so I guess it depends on where you work or maybe who you know. :)

Unfortunately that never happened in my case, off shift or rotating to off shifts for years (9 in one place and that was only because a charge position opened up that I was entitled to on days), if I did finally get to days, had to move and then had to start again somewhere else on off shifts.

Then of course there are the weekends and holidays. Worked three out of four weekends, then every other weekend, and of course summer and winter holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Easter Sunday, your birthday, your anniversary, whatever.

If I were in your shoes, I know what I would do and it wouldn't be nursing.

Whatever you choose to do, good luck.

jaylynn67 · Aug 4, 2005

Do you at least get paid time and half for working holidays???

I have worked places where new grads got day shift immediately upon hire, so I guess it depends on where you work or maybe who you know. :)
Unfortunately that never happened in my case, off shift or rotating to off shifts for years (9 in one place and that was only because a charge position opened up that I was entitled to on days), if I did finally get to days, had to move and then had to start again somewhere else on off shifts.
Then of course there are the weekends and holidays. Worked three out of four weekends, then every other weekend, and of course summer and winter holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Easter Sunday, your birthday, your anniversary, whatever.
If I were in your shoes, I know what I would do and it wouldn't be nursing.
Whatever you choose to do, good luck.

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Aug 4, 2005

I'm a new grad RN & am working the 3 PM-11 PM shift. I don't mind it at all. I would have worked either 7-3 or my current shift (I too don't like 11 PM-7 AM). I think there will be some days positions on my unit opening up soon, but honestly I like to sleep in a little & don't want to have to get up every morning at 5 AM for work, so for now I'll stick to 3-11. Plus my husband gets home around 9:30 PM anyways & goes to bed around 1-2 AM-so we're on the same schedule. We don't have any kids yet, so I don't know if I'll change my mind about hours once i'm a mom. I think everyone likes a different shift for a different reason.

-Christine

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Aug 4, 2005

Ya gotta start somewhere dont you

yen23 · Aug 5, 2005

i'm still a second year nursing student, but i'm very much interested about nursing facts..... hehe

RN34TX · Aug 5, 2005

I have a hard time believing you won't find a day position in Dallas. I lived there for several years until very recently and that town has always had a wealth of Nursing Jobs.

Some particular hospitals or other parts of the U.S. it may not be the case. some units such as NICU at my hospital has day nurses who have been there forever and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon so if you wanted to be a NICU nurse here you'd be on nights forever but that's hardly the norm in the urban areas of Texas.

SWFlorida · Aug 7, 2005

Day shift spots come at a premium. Its only fair that they go to those who have been with the company longer. It makes the current staff very resentful when the manager will give a day slot to a new grad just to hire them in. There is nothing wrong with starting on night shift. You may find you like it. Once you prove your skills and competence you will find getting a better shift easier.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Aug 7, 2005

There is nothing wrong with starting on night shift. You may find you like it.

Good point. Some actually prefer night shift. It's a different pace, (not always easier, but different). If you can stomach staying awake, it's not terrible. I just couldn't stomach it anymore :barf01: