Career advice

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Dec 21, 2015

If you have trouble sleeping I would take sleep aids until getting used to it or being able to switch shifts. Definitely go for it though. Good luck

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Dec 21, 2015

I would scour the threads here for all of the night shift advice I could find. There ARE proven, evidence-based strategies to help you sleep during the day. Most people who don't adapt well to nights won't try them.

flyersfan88 · Dec 21, 2015

Your quality of life can be just fine when you adjust. I'd take the new job. If you wait to transfer into an ICU with consistent low census, what kind of experience would you even be getting?

In my opinion, people really over reaction and are really dramatic about night shift ruining their lives. If you have the day off, come home, sleep from 9 to 1, and force yourself to get up. It is not that awful.

VANurse2010 · Dec 21, 2015

I'd pass if I were you. You're already qualified for ICU so there's no reason to take yet another step down position with an off shift to boot. This stuff about putting you on a list may be genuine in intention, but it's all smoke up your ass if don't have seniority.

dienne · Dec 21, 2015

Yes I have been thinking the same thing. But this is a much better hospital with lots of growth opportunities. They have training programs for their icu's (they have specialty icu like medical, surgical, neuro, trauma, cardio thoracic). It's one of the best hospital in the country for cardio thoracic and heart transplant which is what I am interested.

I wouldn't accept a night shift position at any other hospital but I have a hard time letting this opportunity passing me by.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Dec 21, 2015

How long were you previously on night shift? Was the only issue that you could not sleep during the day? If so, was it because of kids, noise, etc.?

Personally I cannot work nights. I slept during the day just fine. Still felt lousy all the time. My circadian rhythm just can't tolerate night shift. You will be starting on nights.. with no real promise to transfer to days.

Good luck whatever you decide, keep us posted.

dienne · Dec 21, 2015

How long were you previously on night shift? Was the only issue that you could not sleep during the day? If so, was it because of kids, noise, etc.?
Personally I cannot work nights. I slept during the day just fine. Still felt lousy all the time. My circadian rhythm just can't tolerate night shift. You will be starting on nights.. with no real promise to transfer to days.
Good luck whatever you decide, keep us posted.

I was on nights for a year and a half. No reason in particular I just couldn't sleep during the day. I will be learning a lot of new things and skills I don't currently do at my job. This is more of a real cardiac step down unit than the unit I a working on now.

Also I am starting an online bsn program in February and maybe working nights will help. It's a difficult decision and I'm really not sure what to do.

A&OxNone, MSN, RN · Dec 21, 2015

I was in a similar position as you and hated the idea of going back to nights. But I'm SO GLAD i took the jump and went to the ICU. The sleep sucks and I felt lousy, but was actually excited (and terrified) to walk into work for the first time in a long while. If theres only 1 person ahead of you and its a largish unit, that could really only mean 6 months of nights before you go to days.

Really those odds don't look so bad. Good luck to you - nights sucks sometimes but I was also happy to be able to focus on learning my work and not being interrupted as much like when working dayshift.

dienne · Dec 21, 2015

I was in a similar position as you and hated the idea of going back to nights. But I'm SO GLAD i took the jump and went to the ICU. The sleep sucks and I felt lousy, but was actually excited (and terrified) to walk into work for the first time in a long while. If theres only 1 person ahead of you and its a largish unit, that could really only mean 6 months of nights before you go to days.
Really those odds don't look so bad. Good luck to you - nights sucks sometimes but I was also happy to be able to focus on learning my work and not being interrupted as much like when working dayshift.

Thank you! Yes it's a large unit. They actually just expanded. It's a 56 beds unit. I'm excited about this job and everything I'll be learning. If this was a day shift position it would be almost my dream job at my dream hospital. I've been trying to get a job at this hospital since I graduated :)

Shari888, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2015

Night shifts are tough! I think if you are young and don't have a family yet, it's do-able. As an older nurse who recently started home health and had to do some night shifts, I had the hardest time adjusting and finally told my supervisor that I couldn't do them anymore. I was a mess the day after. Best of luck in whatever decision you make!

jtkforever · Dec 23, 2015

Yes I have been thinking the same thing. But this is a much better hospital with lots of growth opportunities. They have training programs for their icu's (they have specialty icu like medical, surgical, neuro, trauma, cardio thoracic). It's one of the best hospital in the country for cardio thoracic and heart transplant which is what I am interested.

I will be learning a lot of new things and skills I don't currently do at my job. This is more of a real cardiac step down unit than the unit I a working on now.

I'm excited about this job and everything I'll be learning. If this was a day shift position it would be almost my dream job at my dream hospital. I've been trying to get a job at this hospital since I graduated

You are speaking in present tense when you explain the position. Sounds like in your heart you have already made your decision :). Good luck at your new job!! :up: