Dayshift vs. Nighshift

Published

Hi! I am a new nurse (on orientation) who is currently working nightshift, and just talked to my manager this morning about going to dayshift. I have been doing nights for a month now. In a 24-hour period, I get 6 hours of sleep...literally (in bed by 9am, up by 12pm x 2 nights in a row, every week). My husband has totally blacked out our bedroom, to simulate nighttime, and I've taken sleep aids, but still wake up several hours before I should, with eyes burning, and feeling sick. I have done 8 hour nightshifts in various other jobs, and I have always had the same results--very little sleep, feeling run-down, and feeling so exhausted that I feel sick, then on my off day, sleeping for like 18 hours. I'm a little nervous about days because I know that on average, there is more of everything to deal with, but nights is just wearing me down. Just wondering how dayshift is working out for you other new nurses? Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LDRP.

I was hired for nights. Did my orientation on days, like everyone does. Went to nights for 1 week. Hated it.Didn't sleep. Changed to day shift, and I love it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Staff.

Nightshifter all the way. I found what works for me as far as a preudo sleep cycle. Dayshift orientation was a nightmare for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I dunno if others will agree or not...

I think there are some people who just weren't meant to work nights.

I have worked nights for 7 years now, every time i had to go to days for orientation or class or what have you it s**k'd. I have worked with many people who are able to cope and adjust safely and function safely at night.

If you can't get the sleep you need to be 100% positive you are able to cognitively function in the capacity your job requires you to, then you should go to your nurse manager and explain that due to your inability to sleep (despite multiple and various attempts to resolve the issue), you simply cannot get enought sleep to function safely. patient safety is the key in all issues..and this should motivate action on her part. however, it may also mean that if she doesn't have a position available you might need to go to a dept that has openings on days....

jsut more two cents from the gallery..

K

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not a new nurse, but I remember well my first job working nights very well. It took me a good two months to get acclimated. I would wake up in a sheer panic not knowing what time it was or where I should be at that particular moment, falling near asleep on the drive home, and feeling terrible.

I have now worked nights for 11 years, going from 8 hour shifts to 12 hour shifts ( a little harder) but I absolutely hate day shift. I enjoy waking up on my own and not to an alarm clock at 5-6am. Some days I'm up by 2pm others I sleep in until 5pm. I've found it works best not to fight it or try to put my sleep on a schedule, I just sleep when I'm tired ( preferably at home, not at work or the drive home). I don't sleep many nights anymore (my days off) because my body is just used to it. So I find things I can do at night as not to disturb others to much, like searching the web:rolleyes: . I can't say I don't ever get tired at work, I do especially if it is slow, but people do on day shift too, I just keep busy doing something. Exercise helps before I go into work to wake up the body and keep things energized. So I'd give it a bit more time before making a change, unless you just truly don't want nights.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Quality Imp, Education.

I love nights! However, most people either love nights or hate nights. You may just not be able to do nights. If you can't function at night, you need to switch to days, you don't want to put your patients in danger.

I know someone who is working for Hopkins and they do the day/night rotation. I have no idea how they do that. You talk about screwing up your sleep cycle.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Noc shift all the way. When I started working nights, I was finally able to stop fighting my natural inclination and it felt great. I'd have to be paid a HUGE shift premium to work days. Totally against my circadian rhythm and way too many people.

But. . . . for some folks, it's just the opposite, and I'm glad because they balance out my kind.

It helps that my kids are grown and dh works third shift, too.

Find what works for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm going to days next week. Thanks for the responses!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.
I dunno if others will agree or not...

I think there are some people who just weren't meant to work nights.

I completely agree with you. In my 13 years of working night shift, I saw over and over that this is true. Many people simply just are not physically capable of doing it. The most successful at it I've seen are those who can function with little sleep. I was always amazed at the night shift workers who went about their business during the day, slept a few hours and came to work.

For myself as I got into middle age, my body eventuallyl got tired of the chronic fatigue and I had to switch to day shift myself after 13 years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.
I'm going to days next week. Thanks for the responses!

Good luck. New grads survive on day shift just fine and you will too. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work night shift now. I have worked all the shifts. I think my body does best on the evening shift. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Good luck. New grads survive on day shift just fine and you will too. :)

Thank you so much for those encouraging words :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion