Can't do nightshift

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

I have posted this before on various threads, but go to your nurse manager and see if there is anyone who is having the same problem rotating to days (there are a lot of people who prefer to work straight nights but cant because that isnt offered) and if possible see if she would be willing to put you both on the same rotation of days per week,, then you do all the day shifts,, and she can do all the nights.

It works,, and its not hard to lay out if there is someone willing to do straight nights. You just have to remember that if one or the other quits or moves to a different schedule of days,, its a deal breaker and you go back to day/night rotation again.

Trauma Columnist · Jul 29, 2006

It really takes about six months to get used to night shift. I too am an early morning person but worked nights for 14 years because of family and school committments. Wasn't easy but here are some hints:

1. I always worked my 3 12's in a row.

2. Guard your sleep time...phones off (I kept my cell phone only on vibrate and the only ones with the number were my immediate family).

3. Darken the room with black shades.

4. Keep the room cool.

5. Develop a routine and STICK to it.

6. Can't say enough about guarding your sleep.

However, I agree changing shifts might be easier. Good luck with whatever happens.

Pitbullgirl · Jul 29, 2006

Thanks for the replies! TraumaRUs, thanks for the tips and yes, I've been doing everything you suggested. I guess I'm just not a night person, and some people never do adjust -- I'm one of them. I've already gone to my manager, who at this time cannot do anything to help, because there is a "wait list" of people on nights who want to come to days, and he has to go by senority. Which I totally understand. He is going to try and open up an

11a-11p shift, but again, he will have to offer it to the more senior staff first, and I know other nurses on nights who will jump on it. So my getting the 11a is a slim-to-none possibility.

I'm going to stop by recruitment again on Monday or Tuesday and see what's happening with HR approving my transfer before the 6-mos time commitment. I would think since it's not a "preference" issue (i.e. I'm not wanting day shift so I can go party or date at night) and I'm physically sick, they would agree to my transfer. If they refuse, I'll just transfer in 3 months anyway when I am technically allowed to move, so why not let me go now. The politics drives me crazy. I'm 44 years old, and I'm in (at least was) in great health, but I'm also not willing to be miserable and sick.

As always, thanks for the support!

MS._Jen_RN, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

Would it help to go to your MD and get a note? I know a few of our eve RN's have a note from their MD saying that they can't be mandatoried to stay over on MN's.

~Jen

Pitbullgirl · Jul 29, 2006

You know, I never thought of going to an MD and trying to get a note saying I'm not physically capable of working night shift. That might not be a bad idea, and may serve as "encouragement" to HR and recruiting to allow me to transfer before the 6-month commitment is up. I'm going to look into that this coming week. Thanks everyone for your wisdom and support!

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Jul 29, 2006

Would it help to go to your MD and get a note? I know a few of our eve RN's have a note from their MD saying that they can't be mandatoried to stay over on MN's.
~Jen

Here's my 2 cents,( and risking getting flamed) but from someone who works nights while waiting for my turn to come to day shift, I would be VERY resentful and upset if you pulled that one in my unit. You would probably "bypass" all the people waiting for a dayshift spot by getting a note. That means bad morale, and an inconsiderate move on your part. Hang on, MAKE yourself sleep, and stick to a schedule, just like the other millions of nurses who work nights, and you'll get used to it. Lots of caffeine helps, too......caffeine at night, benadryl to sleep.......

Pitbullgirl · Jul 29, 2006

SteveRN,

I did not say I would use a doctor's note as a way to get into a day shift in my own unit. What I am trying to do is get transferred to another area of my hospital that has day shifts open (PACU, Radiology, etc.) I would never want to jump over my co-workers for a day shift, as they would be resentful and I wouldn't blame them. So in conclusion, I'm not looking to be get a day shift opportunity over my senior co-workers on nights. You misunderstood.

Some people love nights, some do okay, others merely tolerate. And some, like myself, just don't do physically well at all and need to leave. That is what I am trying to do.

spirit11 · Jul 29, 2006

Hi Pitbullgirl,

I worked shift work for 8 years and nights only for 2 of those 8. I was tired and at times depressed. Within the last 2 years I am doing days only and I am a new person. I even look different!!! Nights are not for everyone, even with mega tones of sleep.

I think that I did he best thing for myself my co-workers and the patients by switching out of a night shift job!!

Good luck

epiphany · Jul 29, 2006

Here's my 2 cents,( and risking getting flamed) but from someone who works nights while waiting for my turn to come to day shift, I would be VERY resentful and upset if you pulled that one in my unit. You would probably "bypass" all the people waiting for a dayshift spot by getting a note. That means bad morale, and an inconsiderate move on your part. Hang on, MAKE yourself sleep, and stick to a schedule, just like the other millions of nurses who work nights, and you'll get used to it. Lots of caffeine helps, too......caffeine at night, benadryl to sleep.......

I think you are taking the OP's post a tad personally. It's a free market economy, even for nurses. If hospitals cannot retain night workers, they have to make it more attractive for nurses to stay.

Drysolong · Jul 29, 2006

This thread is very interesting. I am a new LPN and I requested nights and got it. I (in essence) turned down another job because all they had to offer was days (the DON stated that as a newly-graduated inexeperienced nurse, I wasn't ready for the night shift where I'd be the only nurse on a LTC wing). I kind of agreed with this, although my current job trained me to handle a night shift as the only nurse on the wing.

I can physically and emotionally work all shifts, but I just cannot stand working days. I don't like to get up early in the morning and I don't particularly like the day "atmosphere" (with all the admin and doctors around - it just seems too busy and distracting for me). In the LTC environment, I like being able to plan my nights with relatively little interference. I still have the support of nurses from the other wings and a RN supervisor usually always in the facility somewhere.

I want to work in a hospital and will almost accept nothing other than a 7p-7am 3 day shift. I would only accept days to get my foot in the door, and be reasonably assured of eventually getting a night shift.

Just my:twocents:

CHATSDALE · Jul 29, 2006

jobs in other parts of the facility may be on senority basis also..there are many options such as finding a job elsewhere

many people cannot work one shift or another but this should be decided at initial interview . if you start out fresh you can outline the your needs and limitations there are plenty of jobs out there sometimes you have to bite the bullet and leave a bad situation

good luck i hope that you find what will suit you