Can I ask to work exclusively day shifts?

INN_777, BSN, RN · May 26, 2016

I know a few nurses who started as new grads in an outpatient setting and made a good career that way. And those are M-F 9 to 5 jobs. Could a good route for you, considering your scheduling requirements.

FurBabyMom, MSN, RN · May 26, 2016

You can ask for anything...you may or may not get it.

I work almost exclusively days (0700-1700). I do take call though, and tend to get called overnight at the worst possible times to work. I have had a tendency to get stuck at work on call for HOURS. Last summer it was 14 hours without a break/lunch over a holiday weekend. Another time I worked 0700-1730 the first day, was on call from 1900-0700 the next morning. I got called in to be at work at 2300, and worked until 0930 without a break/lunch, with *maybe* an hour of sleep. I got to leave finally, but not before being up essentially 29 hours and working about 20-23 hours of that time. Has it's pluses and minuses.

There are very few environments that facilitate only days. On the other hand, things about your situation may change vastly between now and then...so you never know what boat you'll be in at graduation!

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · May 26, 2016

You have gotten lots of good advice. I will just add something others have already stated - that you need to really think about what line of work you are entering. Choose another field if you don't have or can't arrange for lots of child care options. As someone said earlier, you need a regular resource and a couple of back-ups. There will be plenty of times you will need to be off for the kids' concerts, sports, lessons, etc. Is the child's father available?

I know it's tough. I never had this problem, as we lived with relatives and we all somehow managed to take care of the kids. But I knew plenty of nurses who had to be creative at times to get child care. One person used to sneak her very young baby in to work on the night shift! Kept him in a carrier under the desk! It was in a jail. But she had to stop that when, inevitably, she was found out.

You might find that Nights works best. Child in day care while you sleep, spend some of the evening hours together, go to work while child sleeps. You just need someone there at night. Tenant? Relative? Live with roommates and their kids? I know it's tough and I wish you all the best.

kassiahgp · May 26, 2016

I know this question seemed dumb, and I kind of knew what most of the answers would be. I get what a lot of people are saying, and yes I will need to pay my dues before I can be at the top of the totem pole. I just wanted know what others' experiences were with that. What departments, specialties, or areas have day shifts as possibility for new grads. Honestly I'm about to start a new thread asking advice from single moms for scheduling lol. Thank you all for the advice, I didn't take offense when some were "blunt." It was all very VERY helpful!

pcicurn7 · May 26, 2016

It's not just about finding what areas have the hours you want. Bc the answer will most likely not be in the acute care setting, it will prob be outpatient clinic or doctors office. The pay won't be as good, and you'll need some amount of experience in order to get those jobs.

and what if you hate it?

my hospital is union, so we cannot be mandated to rotate shifts. Ever. I work days....I'm not a single mom...and I still have baby sitting issues. You'll make it work. A lot of moms work nights bc it works out better for them.

Channabanana · May 26, 2016

This is a good question. I am a single mother and will also be starting a nursing program this fall. When I finish my baby will be about 2. I have thought about shifts and I honestly think that nights/ overnights would be best for me. I can watch my baby during the day or days that im off and arrange for a sitter at night. Baby can rest at night and I can see baby during the day. It may not be possible to work only nights without rotating but if I can I think this would be my best bet. This is something you can consider as well.

BeachsideRN, ASN · May 26, 2016

It can happen. I know a new grad they just got hired into a PACU with 4 x 10s. Days only. She worked as a tech on the unit through school. Point is, it can happen. Really depends on what you are willing to do to get that job. You will have to network. You may have to move. You may have to be very flexible on what units you apply to.

BeachsideRN, ASN · May 26, 2016

I also know new grads hired into same day surgery which is practically unheard of in most areas.

slitherio · May 26, 2016

Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have.

Ellie G · May 26, 2016

Do you want to work in a hospital? If so, you may find it hard to get a day shift position right out of the starting gate. I don't know where you live but in many places the "nursing shortage" is a fallacy and there are not enough jobs for new grads that you can pick and choose shifts. Just my experience

Cactus Nurse · May 26, 2016

It may take some time, but you will find a job with the schedule you want. Remember you can have 2 jobs to make full time hours if 1 job can't give you the hours you want at full time hours... Many jobs love part timers, so that could very well be an option for you!

Home health is also a good option for making your own schedule. Your career is far away though, I wouldn't worry about what job you might have.. you don't know what your support system will be like in a year or two anyways...

NevadaFighter, BSN, RN · May 26, 2016

Whatever you do, if you want to work days don't ever agree to working nights. It is much easier to get placed in a job working days than to move from nights to days. Even if they say they will swing-shift you, say "I need strictly days". Just trust me on this one. If you give an inch, they will take a mile.