Days or Nights

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 6, 2008

Several studies have proven that night shift workers suffer higher rates of certain diseases than their day shift worker counterparts.

However, day shift is personally unhealthy for me, because I absolutely hate dealing with visitors and managers. There are far less of these types of people on night shift, which makes my days less stressful.

shellsgogreen · May 6, 2008

i prefer to work days, it's the rhythm i've gotten into and it works for me.

i used to work nights at other jobs, and i had a hard time keeping my eyes open:sleep:

SillyStudent, ASN, RN · May 6, 2008

Day shift completely stresses me out. When I come home from nights, I sleep like a baby.

Of course, there are lots of studies that say NOCS are unhealthy ...but they work for me.

StrwbryblndRN · May 6, 2008

Over nights work for me. Everyone is different. I like less people. I get anxious at gathering, and tend to might a night owl. So overnight worked for me. Plus my differential is nice.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · May 6, 2008

I am still searching for a 9am to 2pm job-Monday through Friday with maybe every other Weds off-as that would work best for my sched at home. Until then I will work my nights.

Every one has their own sched that works best for them.

That is one of the great things about hospital nursing. Hospitals are open 24/7 with a variety of scheduling options.

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · May 6, 2008

I prefer nights. I just cannot sleep at night. I have worked nights for 30 yrs. I didn't work at all for the last 3 yrs and still couldn't sleep at night. If the sun is shing I am sleeping.

RNperdiem, RN · May 6, 2008

Days!

My whole family gets up at 0500 every morning. Early risers love dayshift!

I felt like a zombie all the time when I used to work nights.

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · May 6, 2008

i know studies may "prove" that midnight shifts are unhealthy, but aside from the research, anyone considering midnights needs to look at his or her own life and own definition of health.

- would you be staying on a night schedule all of the time (even on days off?) a common problem is switching back and forth.

- would you still be able to have meaningful interactions with your family and friends? for me this was the worst part. my friends and family wouldn't call me because they were always afraid i was sleeping, so my social life was nonexistant aside from work. when i did see them, i'd be exhausted and cranky. :smilecoffeeilovecof

- does your home life allow for your sleep schedule? (i don't just mean "i'll catch a nap after the laundry"...i mean "i will be able to get eight complete hours of sleep before work tonight.")

however...

- in my experience the night shift crew works as an honest-to-goodness team because of skeleton staffing.

- shift differential can make a big difference in a paycheck!

- you might not be giving as many meds or dealing with as many physicians/therapists/family members, but you'll often be faced with difficult decisions and not have as much help...i think you learn a great deal, and you have more autonomy.

i wish you the best!

jess

TrailBlazerRN · May 6, 2008

As previously posted, it is technically better to work days. Night shift workers are at a higher risk for depression and sleep conditions. But on the contrary, some find the night shift less hectic, which I guess could eliminate anxiety and stress.

I guess in the end it comes down to which works better for you, not the health effects. Do you have kids you need to be around for? Then the night shift would typically be better (that's why my aunt does). Are you a early bird or a night owl?

Also, check out:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/day-shift-vs-night-shift-273348.html