Evening shift to day shift

[Tobygo2]

Hi all,

I currently work evening shift and have an opportunity to move into a day shift position which I've wanted to do for quite some time. Of course now that I have the opportunity to move I'm quite scared of the change. While I adore my evening shift coworkers I rarely see my husband or have much of a social life since my schedule is 3-11:30 and my husband works the regular 9-5 job. The day shift schedule would allow me to see my husband daily and socialize with friends more. I'm just nervous about two things: 1.) the chaos of day shift (but how different can it be than evening shift?) and 2.) leaving my evening shift friends.

What do you all think? I of course like the people on day shift just do not know them very well. I'm just a nervous nelly!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I used to work Monday through Friday from 6:00 to 2:00pm. I'm not a day person, so I prefer the night shift.

Anyhow, I felt that the pace of days was fast and furious with too many managerial folks wanting to tell nurses what to do. Also, other disciplines (PT/OT/ST, dietary, social work, etc.) tend to be in the nursing department's business and seem to feel that you should drop what you're doing to accommodate their needs.

Patients were constantly being transported to and from appointments. More interruptions can be expected from doctors, family members, vendors, managers, and others, typically for less money due to the lost shift differentials.

Someone once said these words: "Night shift is best for your working life, but day shift is best for your social life."

[Tobygo2]

I used to work Monday through Friday from 6:00 to 2:00pm. I'm not a day person, so I prefer the night shift.

Anyhow, I felt that the pace of days was fast and furious with too many managerial folks wanting to tell nurses what to do. Also, other disciplines (PT/OT/ST, dietary, social work, etc.) tend to be in the nursing department's business and seem to feel that you should drop what you're doing to accommodate their needs.

Patients were constantly being transported to and from appointments. More interruptions can be expected from doctors, family members, vendors, managers, and others, typically for less money due to the lost shift differentials.

Someone once said these words: "Night shift is best for your working life, but day shift is best for your social life."

And that's exactly how I feel! Do I choose a great work life OR a great personal life? How can you choose?? Of course I want both :)

[RNperdiem, RN]

You might not find the change as extreme as you imagine, especially if you are remaining in the same department.

If you are used to evenings you might find that you do fewer admissions; days seem to discharge and evening shifts take a lot of admissions.

Give it a try and enjoy that personal life after work.