Day Shift vs. Night Shift

[RNtugladimurnurse2b]

My husband and I were talking about if I should work AM shift (7a-7p) or PM shift (7p-7a) once I finish nursing school. I am a night owl all the way and in previous years I have worked nights as a CNA. Now this was BEFORE I got married and had a baby. I kind of want to be home with them at night. I also tended to gain weight when I worked nights so I don't know. What shift do you all prefer and why?

[LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN]

As a new RN and a long time LPN, I love nights. I had a job offer for a day shift. I went to find day care and there is nothing out there. I have 3 kids ages 6 years, 5 years and 7 weeks. The baby average charge was $200, the 5 year old was average $120, and the 6 year old was about $90. That is over $400 in child care a week and that is if they had openings. I had to turn the job down. I'm planning on starting a night shift in August. This way Dad is home with the kids while I am at work. I will be home when the kids are in school if they get sick or need a doctor's appointment. And I get to be with the baby during his awake periods and still get to catch all his firsts.

I will add that when I work nights, I drink lots of mountain dew and Hershey's.

[ms mimi]

i wonder what shift i will work when i get out of school. i hate the night shift; worked it for a few months, thought i would die. but i dont think i can work day shift because during my son's summer break i have nowhere to put him. so i think i will have to work nights until he gets older:o

[ONSnrs]

night shift.

better differentials.

you can get more things done during the day after work, because all offices are open.

[Sassy5d]

I work nights and that's all I will work.. I've worked all shifts and I prefer nights.. I went back to work when my 2nd baby was about 2 months old and it's been nights.. I love it.. All I miss is him sleeping.. I take a nap when he does and I don't have to put him in daycare. My 1st child (she's 7 now) I worked days and put her in daycare and I WILL NOT put this baby in a daycare. No offense to you daycare lovers out there but I'd rather give up nursing and work at a 7/11 for peanuts then put my child in daycare..

[1badccurn]

Have been on nights for over 14 years done 8's and 12 hrs shifts ...like it the best. Seems like you can get more done in a 24 hour period. (errands etc)

Just have to "adjust" your life to fit this lifestyle. I have raised 2 kids while on nocs...been able to do volunteer work at school..go to school myself, and run a family business.

Tried days...gone home with HA's...lived on Tylenol. Too much sensory overload!!

On Nights you have less "politics", the admin. etc. Not to mention a higher wage...mine is $3.00/hr. More autonomy..the crew I work with is very cohesive..we work well as a team and I believe that is needed when staff is lower on nights. We have a mix of "New" and "Seasoned" staff..so we balance quite well.

Bad points...we do not have residents..only ER doc's in the house if we need an emergency intubation..no pharmacist in the house we mix our own stats prn..sometimes no huck/secretary so we have to pick up the "other" pieces.

Summer months are more difficult to sleep for me..love to be outside!!