Day Shift To Night Shift

[RN Mc Neese]

Has anyone change to night shift from day shift? Since my nursing career started 10 years ago I've pretty much worked day shift for nine years.When I got my LVN I worked night shift for 1 year and hated it, I think because at the time I had a little one and it was a 8 hour shft.I felt like I was never rested.Now as a RN I've been working day shift, 12 hour shifts and loved the schedule 2 days on and 3 off.I'm getting ready to start a new possition at a new hospital and had a choice for day or nights and chose nights.The reason is I'm so tired of the hustle and bustle of day shift. The managers, doctors, FAMILY, mini meeting that take up time, just the caos.Working day shift I feel like I let my patients down.I never have time for them, I don't have time to care.And when I do sit and try to be there for them I find myself always looking at the time and not really being there attentively,yall know what I mean. I can go on and on. I just want to know am I making the right decision?

[bargainhound, RN]

You won't know if it is the right decision for you until after you

are on nights for awhile.

You are right to at least try it.

It always worked out best for me and my family (for me to work

nights).

Nursing is hard on family life no matter what shift you are on and

there are challenges on all shifts.

Good luck in your new shift!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I have always possessed a fond preference for working evenings, nights, and weekends because I can work these shifts without unrealistic managers breathing down my neck. Nights tend to be quiet, more peaceful, and more conducive to getting tasks accomplished without the slurry of interruptions that characterize day shifts. Good luck. I hope you will come to enjoy your night shifts.