Advice for first hospital job as new grad

[PranksterRN]

Hey everyone, I was just wondering if anyone had a advice or tips on surviving first job orientation. I have 6 weeks of orientation on a surgical floor. I just graduated in Dec of '14 and this is my first job in healthcare and as an RN. My preceptor has been great and in all honestly this unit has a great team atmosphere and everyone has been super friendly. I just completed my first week of orientation on days and am so far doing total care for one patient and begin my second week of orientation tonight.

I guess my question is this, how is nights different then day shifts for a new grad? Should I be asking for feedback everyday? Thanks again for all the advice in advance?! I should mention I'm extremely excited to start working espicially as I only have my ADN and I know these jobs are hard to come by as a new grad with no experience.

[NightOwlPsyRN]

When I did nights, I generally had a larger patient assignment (6 to 8 for me) per shift. You also have to do 24 hour chart checks and equipment checks (e.g. glucometers, crash cart, etc). Other than that, the flow is similar to days...there are still vital signs to be done, bedtime and early morning med passes/blood sugar checks, treatments, position changes, admissions, etc.