Days vs Graves

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I'm a mom and foster mom graduation in May of this year with my ADN. Our local hospital is hiring for both days and nights 12 hour shifts 7am to 7pm or 7pm to 7am on all floors and float pool. I think I want float pool that way once I'm orientated to all the different areas I will float and never be in one place too long and get bored. I'm still undecided on the days or nights I'm precepting for school on night and love it. We stay busy enough it's not to bad to stay up all night. I would love some feedback from people who have worked either days or nights and what they love about their shift.

Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

May I suggest never referring to it as "graves" again. Such a negative connotation, LOL. I've worked nights for a long time. Less management, increased pay due to differentials. Love having the hospital to myself and other "essential" personel. Less BS.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I worked 12-hour nights for 6 years. It worked well for an introverted person like me. In addition, dealing with fewer families, doctors, administrative figureheads and vendors was an added bonus to working nights.

Also, the night shift differential added about $10,000 to my annual base pay. The extra money makes up for the fact that night shift workers are more likely to die earlier deaths than those who work strictly days.

I worked nights for a short time while my kids were young and later on, again only 6 months, when my kids were a bit older. Both times I liked that it was less crazy at night and I made more money.

Having said that - when my kids were little and out of school at lunchtime it also meant not much sleep.

In addition, I had occasional migraines that changed into frequent migraines because of the night work.

When I was a new graduate I worked rotation shift including nights and it was doable because I did not have any kids back at that point and tolerated the rotation better.

It is more about personal preference I think. A lot of hospitals are very busy at night nowadays as well, making the night busy in general - plus if the population is of a higher age or confused, there can be quiet some activity. Personally, I would love floating as I tend to get bored after a while. Plus if there is something that bothers you, you know you will move on. You stay out of politics - which is a plus and usually do not get much gossip. I floated regularly in one hospital when we were overstaffed and liked it.

I wanted to Thank everyone who took the time to read my question and give me feed back. I know this subject has been discussed many times before but this was a school project where I needed to post two questions on a form and receive feedback. Thanks again I'm currently still undecided as to days vs nights. As for what floor I will apply to I'm leaning hard towards unit support team (float pool) or the medical floor.

Specializes in ICU, CCU, NICU and L&D.

Graves all the way, less management.... less migraines.... Life is easier at night. :yes:

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