Are all day shift nurse burnt out and crabby

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Nov 7, 2004

I'm a day-shifter, and I don't think I'M crabby.....except when people make assumptions about others based on the shift they work :)

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 8, 2004

I am of the same opinion as Marla above--- staying away from generalizing people in any way. I have also heard we (yes I work nights, too)--- on the nightshift are lazy, stupid, "weird" (yes a doctor I worked with once said that) and we have it easy cause "patients sleep all night". I resent anyone saying that---so I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of such generalizations.

Not ALL day shift people or older nurses are crispy---not all nightshifters are fresh and eager. Take each nurse on his/her own merit, find the mentors among them to follow and try not to let the jerks get you down. And right now, try and move away from that very damaging "dayshift versus nightshift" mentality ----you really dont' want to go there. Good luck to you!!!

GAgirl · Nov 8, 2004

Having worked nights and days, I agree with those that say don't generalize. Each shift is different....difficult sometimes and easy sometimes, but in very different ways. As far as rude or grumpy nurses, I think that is everywhere. We have plenty where I work. Always a bad apple, I guess. Keep your positive mentality. Lead by example.

Nursesuzi · Nov 8, 2004

Okay, you guys are right. Generalizing is wrong. Man, I guess I just am wrapping my mind around the fact that nursing is stressful and anywhere there is stress and many women your going to have some hormones and personalities flying. My quest will be to not take it personally. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

I am of the same opinion as Marla above--- staying away from generalizing people in any way. I have also heard we (yes I work nights, too)--- on the nightshift are lazy, stupid, "weird" (yes a doctor I worked with once said that) and we have it easy cause "patients sleep all night". I resent anyone saying that---so I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of such generalizations.
Not ALL day shift people or older nurses are crispy---not all nightshifters are fresh and eager. Take each nurse on his/her own merit, find the mentors among them to follow and try not to let the jerks get you down. And right now, try and move away from that very damaging "dayshift versus nightshift" mentality ----you really dont' want to go there. Good luck to you!!!

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 8, 2004

((((((((suzi)))))))))))

hang in there. I have been where you are. It does get better. Just do not let anyone walk all over you for any reason. If you need to, get some good books or seminars on assertiveness. You definately will benefit in nursing in general. Hang in there.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Nov 9, 2004

Are all day shifters crabby?

Only the crabby ones.

Fiona59 · Nov 9, 2004

When I worked Maternity, I found mean, crabby nurses on ALL shifts. The whole unit had a reputation for it.

I would just go to work and treat my Mums well and never had a problem.

There were two RN's that I would pray would be on opposite shifts from me, and one LPN who was just plain lazy. After trying to figure out what I'd done to offend those three, I just gave up. Turns out they were like that to EVERYONE.

Just imagine what it must be like to be cared for by them, live with them, or have them for your mother...

redshiloh · Nov 9, 2004

Pretty much you will find burned out, mean, psycho, backbiting.....on any shift. Try as much as you can, to stay away from them. Be polite, helpful, but never try to engage them in conversation. All it does is bring YOU down. I really believe misery loves company.

Babytalk · Nov 9, 2004

There are bad apples in every basket. What I find, as the manager of all of these apples is that we "enable" people to act the way they do. PLEASE develop your assertiveness skills. SOmetimes you need to treat these people like you would your own children. You expect your children to treat others and you with respect and you don't tolerate it when they don't. Do Not allow your co-workers to act this way either. The more people who stand up and stop the chain of events from occurring can make a positive impact on the bad apples. Don't tolerate the behavior and you can make a difference. :-) :nono:

Mermaid4 · Nov 9, 2004

I think it is just not knowing yet how to adjust to different personalities for the most part. Nursing isn't easy on the best day, and the night shift often has to pull together because often there are less of us...Everyone has off days, evenings and nights, and some people just aren't thrilled ( though these days I think I would abe very happy) to have to teach the new people coming on board...Just go with the flow....You will be fine, and you will learn quite a bit on every shift you inhabit.....I am a night nurse myself....

BETSRN · Nov 10, 2004

Eves and nights are definitely better. I personally feel that's the way it is most places. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, but generally, I think most people wioll tell you that there is a much more laid back attitude on the off shifts. Each shift has a personality and I do think day people are the crabbiest as a group.