Disadvantages of 2nd shift?

[Sarah Bellum]

So I've been working 1st shift as a PCA on a med-surg floor for a couple months and so far it's been pretty great. But I've been thinking that I might do better on 2nd shift, largely because when I get home I'm EXHAUSTED and all I want to do is go to bed. I have 3 little ones and I'm thinking I'd have more energy and time to spend with them if I was at home during the day and worked evenings. I'm also thinking I might get more sleep too, 0600 comes awfully early in the morning for my taste. :smilecoffeeIlovecof

Thoughts? Thanks!

[Sarah Bellum]

karen-

is there any way you could do a day/evening rotating schedule for a bit? i think that way you will be able to compare the shifts, and you might find you like one more than the other. also, it can be difficult to transition all at once.

i wish you the best

jess

i am going to see if there are any shifts open for 2nd in the next few weeks (we're short-staffed, shouldn't be a prob) and sign up for a few 2nd's (i need the $$!) and see how it goes.

[johnnrachel]

I have three school age children and I work 2nd shift and would not have it any other way!!!!!! Of course I only work 3 days a week!!! Part time it is great!!!!!! I dont worry when the kids get sick, or on vacation, etc, (it is much easier to get a sitter for a few hours rather than the entire day)!!!!!!!! I rest before going to work, the anticipation thing people have mentioned (cloud over your head waiting to work) that goes away, you really get used to it!! I worked days for 1 and 1/2 year and I am much happier now!!!!!!!! I dont miss any during the day school events either!!!!!!!!

[floatRN]

I used to work 2nd shift. The disadvantages were that it was usually midnight by the time I got home. Then it would take a couple hours for me to unwind enough to be able to fall asleep. I got on a schedule where I could never fall asleep before 1 or 2am. Because of that, getting up before 9am was considered insanely early. It is also very difficult to see people who work 9-5 type shifts. Just a few things to consider.

Advantages are that you get extra pay, the pace is a little slower than day shift especially after 7 or 8pm. You also have the mornings free which is nice during summer weather and makes it easier to make doctor's appointments etc.

I would probably recommend 2nd shift if it was part time maybe 2-3 days a week. Working full time, it often gets in the way of having much of a life outside work.

[jeng1969]

I also favor 2nd shift. I don't have kids. I don't have to get up early and jump right out of bed to go to work in the morning. I get the best sleep on 2nd shift, which is really important to me...It does require effort to have a life outside of work on this shift though. I try to make the most of my days off and the day time.