Has anyone else noticed that day shift personalities tend to be very strict type A, and night shift usually is much more relaxed?
At my hospital the day shift is constantly writing people up, gossiping about eachother, and very dramatic when emergencies happen. It's like their first code every time.
Night shift is very laid back, loyal to eachother, and relaxed during serious emergencies.
Don't take this the wrong way day shifters, as I mean no disrespect or over generalization, because there are exceptions. Just something I noticed when switching and wondering if it's just my hospital and I'm legitimately afraid to apply for a day shift position for my next job.
Specializes in Transition nursing and couplet care.
I think it just depends. I am very laid back so night shift at the hospital was great for me, but with new mom's and babies it could be tough as night as we also had to act as lactation consultants as we don't have any at night. That of course is when Mom and Dad are tired and baby wants to eat all night. On the other hand we rarely had to deal with doctors or management, for which I was grateful.
Funny, in my experience (I've done both shifts), some noc people are there because they're not "people" persons and like the decreased interaction with crowds like those that are around on day shift...
I think it depends... I know both shifts have some super type A people. in my unit, the night shifters are much more "clique". I think also that day shift is just much busier with everyone around. You have management hovering all over, doctors and other disciplines etc so you have to be more "business" in your interactions. Night shift most of those people are not there so you can relax a bit. Turst me, if i worked night shift I would most definately be swearing more and leaving uncovered cups of coffee at the nursing station (the horror! better call Jcaho).
I have found it to be the opposite. Day and 2nd shift were always the lax, laid back friendly bunch. Nights tended to be more type A and socially selective. It is what it is. I guess I never really thought about it before now.
Emmasmom03
98 Posts
I think it just depends. I am very laid back so night shift at the hospital was great for me, but with new mom's and babies it could be tough as night as we also had to act as lactation consultants as we don't have any at night. That of course is when Mom and Dad are tired and baby wants to eat all night. On the other hand we rarely had to deal with doctors or management, for which I was grateful.