offered day shift...help!

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Im a new nurse and was hired to a busy ortho/trauma (med surg floor). So far ive only had three days on the floor with my preceptor (who is amazing so far). We do 12 hour shifts with a 10 percent shift differential for night shift. I was hired for nights, but my manager came to me yesterday and offered me days if I want it. It's so busy there time just flies by (knock on wood it stays like that). Im really torn because I love my sleep and my relationships with my friends and boyfriend, but I know there's more money in nights and It might be a good place to learn. Im used to working 3 to 11 on a pysch floor as a tech. Any advice from some seasoned nurses?

Thanks everyone for the input and advice. I told my manager I would like days is she still is offering it to me! I used to do nights every now and then and it make me feel weak and groggy the next day. Plus, I finally have time for all the people I neglected while in nursing school (and my regular bachelors and masters programs before that! )

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

Go for day shift, but give yourself time to adjust. It'll be busy but I think you'll learn more. If after 8 months or so it's still too much and you're really struggling, then maybe you can switch to nights. It's really up to you! I think you learn more on days.

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Thanks everyone for the input and advice. I told my manager I would like days is she still is offering it to me! I used to do nights every now and then and it make me feel weak and groggy the next day. Plus, I finally have time for all the people I neglected while in nursing school (and my regular bachelors and masters programs before that! )

Weak, groggy, fuzzy, lightheaded, confusion, altered digestion, weight gain, and lack of REM sleep deserves a 30% or 40% premium. Not to mention the real risk of falling asleep driving home after 12 hours. And once you're on day shift you may be suprised to find that night shift is routinely blamed for everything from the unrest in in the Middle East to global warming?

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