A year in and its not getting better!!!

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 7, 2008

If you can get your PCP to support you, you might be able to negotiate a better schedule. .... But don't say "I won't work nights." Instead, offer to work the same number of nights, but just not bouncing back and forth. For example, offer to work 2 weeks of straight nights, then 2 weeks of straight day, etc. Your boss might go for that.

When I was a new grad many years ago, I did a month of nights ... then a month of days ... etc. That worked because I was able to get my body into a rhythm for a month at a time.

Another options is just to go straight nights until you have enough seniority that you won't have to bounce back and forth so much.

Let you boss know that you are very willing to work your fair share of the night shifts ... but that you need to do them in blocks rather than bouncing back and forth. Maybe even volunteer for some extra night shifts. Those extra nights will give your body more stability, which will allow you to sleep better on a regular schedule. It will also give your boss more reason to cooperate with your schedule request.

patwil73 · Jul 7, 2008

Switching is very difficult on the body. When my nights weren't straight and I had a few days off between shifts it was horrible as I tried to accomodate a day shift for my family only to switch back to nights for work. Now that I work straight shifts (6 nights on - then 8 off) it is so much better.

Talk with your boss about doing stretches on each shift. If there is not a need for you to be on day shift then ask to do only nights. If no accomodation is possible see your doctor for help and find another job - but don't keep going until you kill yourself.

Pat

PiPhi2004 · Jul 7, 2008

Thanks for the replies. I have offered to do only nights but she wont let anyone switch to ALL nights until you have a year in. I also dont mind to do any shift just doing PM and AM in the same week is getting rediculous. A month of each would be great and and I think I'll definately try to see if I can do that. Thanks for all the suggestions!!! :loveya:

RN2begin · Jul 8, 2008

Don't forget...as a nurse you have an advantage in the job market, especially with a year under your belt. It might be worth it for you to see what else is out there. You HAVE to take care of yourself FIRST. Lack of sleep (while I know it is a RN staple) has a caustic effect on your body and mind. By keeping yourself well, you are keeping your patients well. Unexpected errors are made when RNs are exhausted and once done they can't be taken back. You owe yourself better.

JustinTJ, ADN, BSN · Jul 11, 2008

I would rather work all nights than have to switch back and forth like that. I agree, talk to the schedule writer and get this resolved!

Nurseismade RN · Jul 15, 2008

I will reach my year anniversary in Oct, and I have been doing rotating shifts almost a year and it is not getting any better. I love my job and I feel I am progressing but my schedule is so erratic that I cant take it anymore!!! For example, I worked Fri-Sat 7PM-7AM and then turned right around on Monday-Tues and worked 7AM-7PM. I am a zombie!!! Since I am newer I get a lot of switching on the schedule and I have complained before but nothing seems to happen. I just cant continue to switch like a light and now I feel depression starting to set in as it seems I just dont sleep at all anymore! I had to call off last night because working the next day was impossible as I was up till 3AM and ended up not sleeping till 6AM. I take so many OTC sleep meds I am scared I'm going to OD myself but NOTHING seems to work! I tried to just be tough and hope it would get better but it doesnt. I am leaving after my year is up (not for this reason)but I cant take this for another 3 months! I dont know if I should go to a psych doc or just go see my PCP. Anyone else having this problem? Rotating shifts just seem SO unsafe!

not only is it unsafe...it is detrimental to your health. This is my key reason that I had to find a job outside Boston. I was offered 2 positions...one in NICU and one in Peds. Had to turn them both down after much agonizing. Why....they wanted to do the shift rotation thing. unlike you...I absolutely can not work nites...maybe occasionally...but that's it. I have a teenager daughter and must be home at nights. I thankfully found a hospital position just outside boston, where they actually ask you which shift you would like to work and no mandatory overtime:D ..I just completed my six months probation as of today....and will receive a raise and status change as RN II as opposed to RN I:yeah: