Clinic nursing vs shift work

[vpollic1]

Just wanted to seek some advice. I've been a postpartum nurse for almost 4 years. I've worked in 3 different hospitals (1 in New York and two in California) and worked nights all 4 of those years. To be honest I'm a little sick of working night shift and there's no hope of me going to day shift for probably another 2-3 years. I was going to tough it out but I feel like working nights is affecting my mood and overall happiness. I don't have any kids yet so I thought I could stick out nights until I did have kids, but I think I've reached my breaking point. I have recently received a job offer for a clinic job in an OB/GYN office. Monday-Friday 8-5 no weekends or holidays. Pay is slightly less but since I live in California it's definitely substantial and I wouldn't feel that much of a pay cut. My only qualm is ...will I like that M-F schedule? I'm a very routine type of person. I like set schedules and not acutely Ill patients. I could never work ER because those types of patients make me nervous. I feel like clinic will be less stress and better for my overall health. But it's so hard for me to leave a job where I do only work 3 days(nights) a week. Has anyone really loved the transition from floor nursing to clinic? Or has anyone had the opposite experience where they hated working more days and having less time off? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks fellow RNs.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Before you take the job, ask if the hours really are 8-5 for the staff. Sometimes clinics and procedural departments regularly run late on a daily basis. Would the extra time at work be a problem? Since you don't have kids yet, maybe not; for people who do, daycare charges you late fees if pick up late.

How would the new hours affect your commute? There might be more traffic than you are used to seeing with night shift.

If it meant working daytime hours, I probably would make the switch despite the disadvantages, but in the end, it is up to you.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Hands down clinic, weekends off, liberal holidays. Off

Salary less usually.....But life quality higher.....

[klone, MSN, RN]

I worked OB clinic and LOVED IT!!

In fact, as a manager, if an opportunity came up to run another OB clinic, I would probably take it in a hot second. There is a LOT to be said for knowing that at 5pm, all the patients go home and you have no more responsibility.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

I was going to tough it out but I feel like working nights is affecting my mood and overall happiness. I don't have any kids yet so I thought I could stick out nights until I did have kids, but I think I've reached my breaking point.

Yep, I think you're done being a night shift nurse. You could try to advocate for yourself - give me the day shift or I have to leave - but that likely won't work.

You will get a set schedule and the amount of acutely ill people you'll see in an office job is negligible. Will you be bored? Maybe. Will you leave at 5 most days and be done with your charting? Yes.

I don't think I'd go back to three 12-hour shifts; there are things that are worth more than money!