Days or Nights?

I'm a night person and, generally, I loathe the hustle and bustle of day shift. Day shifts are too busy for me. In addition, management tends to be there, too many doctors to round with, too many family members interrupting me with questions and comments, and too many ancillary staff members are making demands of me (dietary aides, PT aides, OT aides, reception, housekeepers, restorative aides).

If you have found personal satisfaction in working night shifts, then my next suggestion is to remain on nights. Nights might not be good for one's family and social life, but they're wonderful for working!

Those are the same arguments I make to my wife, but she only sees the possibility of us being home at the same time more often.

I assume your spouse is not involved in the nursing profession?

It is extremely difficult to explain these things to people who are not in the profession. They do not fully comprehend the demands that are made of the day shift nurse. In addition to the sometimes chaotic working environment, you lose the pay differential. Also, you might be too tired to spend time with your wife and child when you arrive home after working busy day shifts.

You can tell that I am totally biased toward working nights. :)

I am also quite biased. I tell people that day shift works harder for less pay. I have to deal with sun-downers and addicted patients on ATC pain meds, but at least I don't have to deal with meals & baths/showers. Plus, I'm kind of a non-conformist. I like working while everybody else sleeps and vice versa.