Er

In our ER there isn't much of a difference in pt census between days and nights. Night shift has less available resources, ie not as many lab techs, not as many radiology personnel, MRI must be called in etc. We have a few more "drunk and disorderlies", although day shift gets their share too. I personally think that nightshift personnel in any dept are a little more laid back, we're a breed of our own. There is also not as many suit et tie people on nights,.supervisors etc. I've been working nights for over 10yrs I love it.

I couldn't agree more!! I have worked a variety of shifts in our ER, and for the most part, always enjoyed it.

There are usually the same amount of nsg staff on all of ours, or maybe 1 less nurse or tech. You have lab and xray in their dept, but have to call out some specials like MRI, that kind of thing. There are, thank God!!!, less of the suits and ties, less administration, no case managers. Even our house supervisors have a calmer demeanor on nights. The staff usually pulls together, and is usually a positive atmosphere.

I enjoy the traumas, stabbings, ect. that come in, and you do get more of that at night, especially on Friday and Saturday when the bars close. We never run out of "stupid", the ones that were the cause for their admission in the first place.

Anne, RNC

I started my precepting in the ER which is night shift. I thought about working in the er after I graduate only I would want to work day shift......can anyone tell me the difference between the work load from nights to dayshift.....thanks

It may be hard to get a straight day position right out of school. You may be able to get day/night or day/evening. I'm new and work straight evenings. It is rare to find a day shift. I have heard that days and nights both have a down time for a couple hours (usually). Evenings are pretty much busy the entire shift.