Depressed night shift worker

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Mar 20, 2013

Any chance of talking to the NM about preferring evenings or nights? I think they'd jump at it.

LithEruiel · Mar 20, 2013

I don't prefer nights, I want days. That was the whole point of the post. There are only 12 hour shifts.

Seas · Mar 20, 2013

Depending on your unit, you may be able to land a dayshift position soon. In some places, there is a line of people wanting days. But in some of them, it isn't so hard. I don't know if you could be able to land a 8 hour shift position in your unit, you can look into this and ask your manager.

However, if there is only 12 hour shifts, and it is affecting your health that bad, then it's time to look for a new job where 8 hr shift is the case. This is probably going to burn bridges, and put you on their "do not rehire" list. Next time, don't accept and train for a 12 hour position of you will want to change it after 2 months. Not something employers like.

MessyMomma · Mar 20, 2013

That stinks.

I know you have to worry about bills and such, and this isn't exactly the greatest job market right now.

But it doesn't sound like you can keep going like you are.

What about working only 1 or 2 nights in a row? Sometimes that's easier physically. Maybe that could help you along til you found something better.

Good luck.

LithEruiel · Mar 20, 2013

I know it sounds dumb I took this job, but I had to leave my last job (long story but it was just one of those toxic unsafe places to work) and this was all I could find. I thought I'd be working more days but here I am stuck on nights. No one wants to hire someone with little experience, especially jobs with nice hours that everyone wants so I'm stuck with this. I was hoping I'd be able to hold up better being away from my last job. I actually do only work one or two days in a row but I still feel awful.

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2013

I don't prefer nights, I want days. That was the whole point of the post. There are only 12 hour shifts.

Sorry, misread that the first time. Zombied out after 12 hour night shift. :dead:

anotherone, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2013

i sleep from 10 to 6 many times . if it was 10pm to 6 am thatt would make me so productive. it sucks but it is the reality of nights and why so many people dislike it. it does affect your health and social life. no advice . what i do is if possible ask to have my days off in a row so i have a hope of maybe falling asleep earlier and getting up earlier

LithEruiel · Mar 25, 2013

Thanks! At least I know there's someone else like me. :-)

SuzieVN · Mar 25, 2013

Depending on your unit, you may be able to land a dayshift position soon. In some places, there is a line of people wanting days. But in some of them, it isn't so hard. I don't know if you could be able to land a 8 hour shift position in your unit, you can look into this and ask your manager.
However, if there is only 12 hour shifts, and it is affecting your health that bad, then it's time to look for a new job where 8 hr shift is the case. This is probably going to burn bridges, and put you on their "do not rehire" list. Next time, don't accept and train for a 12 hour position of you will want to change it after 2 months. Not something employers like.

Yikes. I feel like I've just been slapped in the face, and it's not even MY post.

Other than that, twelve hour night shifts are hell. About 0100, I started to get dizzy, weak, and wanted to just die, and couldn't BELIEVE I had 6, 8 (of course -the more burned out and exhausted you are, the later your relief nurse decides to show up in the morning) hours more to go, every day. Night shift itself is bad enough on your health. And twice I almost crashed riving home in the morning- that's what did it for me.

DNPpat · Mar 25, 2013

These are important and reasonable concerns. A substantial body of evidence supports the health risks of night shift work and circadian rhythm disruption. Some individuals have been shown to be much more adaptable than others, but most can improve their adaptation. The most important first step is to be sure you have 8-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep every 24 hours, so you are definitely not being "TOO adapted" by sleeping 10 - 6. You might consider some of the options for timed exposure to full spectrum light. If you have not already, google 'shift work adaptation'. If you turn out to be unable to make at least a decent adjustment to nights, it is in the best interest of your health AND the safety of your patients to continue your good efforts to find other options, including those outside the acute care hospital.

dt70 · Mar 25, 2013

Depending on your unit, you may be able to land a dayshift position soon. In some places, there is a line of people wanting days. But in some of them, it isn't so hard. I don't know if you could be able to land a 8 hour shift position in your unit, you can look into this and ask your manager.
However, if there is only 12 hour shifts, and it is affecting your health that bad, then it's time to look for a new job where 8 hr shift is the case. This is probably going to burn bridges, and put you on their "do not rehire" list. Next time, don't accept and train for a 12 hour position of you will want to change it after 2 months. Not something employers like.

I have a positive comment for the op. I worked 2330 to 0700 5 days a week for 8 months

and absolutely hated it. I was the new guy.

There was a day position that opened up. My boss told me they chose me for the position

because the other new person took a lot of time off and complained a lot.

So hang on as long as possible. You may eventually get a break.