Another nite shift issue

Don't feel bad--it's important to manage your life and nursing as well. It's really up to you to decide whether to stick it out or change it up now. I went in working nights knowing there I'd be there for a while..but knowing it was a fixed period of time helped me get through it. Keep your options open and keep looking!

If you can't do 12s, is there any way she would arrange a schedule where you could work 2, off 2, etc. I always hate it when I only have one night off, because I just sleep through it then I gotta go back to work. Hope if works out for you.

When I worked four nights a week (for 7 years) I would work 4 on 2 off 4 on 4 off. That worked well for me, but I didn't have kids for most of those years. I know nights is hard. Try that schedule, then see about cutting back ASAP.

Can you elaborate a little about why the 4 8 hours shifts are giving you trouble? Lack of sleep, can't sleep, working too much PRN?

ASk your supervisor if there are other options available and explain your situation to her. Maybe he/she will be more understanding and help you out ... hopefully.

I just feel that all I do is sleep and work. I am making good money and plan on going to Disney in April for a week. But this no life is just not worth it. I need to try a different schedule I just have a very hard time working 3nites in a row. Next month I am scheduled with a bunch of two on one off and everyother weekend. I guess I should be happy I have a good paying job and I generally like the floor and hosp just not my schedule.

op: what you are describing is the reason i did not take another position at my hospital. they wanted day shift 5-8s a week (6 every other weekend). one of the reasons i went into nursing was to get away from the un-family-friendly work schedules in the private sector. for some reason working in the private sector feels more like slavery (maybe because i feel like they are using me for their financial gain while i have no time for myself or family?) so, working more then 4-10s or 3-12s is too much for me emotionally and physically. but i digress...

there must be another floor that can give you 3-12s. can you transfer? if not, maybe you can get another nursing job at a different hospital that will give you 3-12s? gl!

I agree about looking for another unit/facility that may give you what you need.

We have had this discussion many times on nights...why it seems that more than 3 nights working in a row at night really works on you. I'm lucky in that I have two set days off each week so that I can go to school. I work every weekend, but I work 2 on, 1 off, 3 on, 1 off. My body seems to respond well to the regular nights off.

Good luck!