Evening shift versus nights

[numba1spot]

I currently am working 2-10 pm and am having difficulty having a life. I rarely can date because when most people get off work I am working!! I am considering going to 3-12 hour night shifts. I feel I would be able to have more of a life and would be able to see people when they get off work and on the weekends when I am not working.

Anyone have experience they can share? Opinions?

Thank you!!

[RainMom]

I would prefer 12 hr nights to 8 hr evening shifts. However, my ideal shift would be 12 hr evening, 1100-2300, which my facility offers a handful. Is that a possibility?

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

I've done both. I worked 3-11pm for nearly a year. I loved the hours, but really did not like that I had to come to work 5 days out of the week. Plus I worked rotating weekends, which basically resulted in me being at work a lot more than I would have liked. You can still "go out" after your shift, but you're likely more prepared to stay up a lot later than your day shift coworkers. I would normally be awake until 4-5am when working 2nd shift.

I vote for three 12's, which is what I'm currently working. More days off to do whatever you like.

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

Plus getting off at 2200 and going out? Do you guys not feel the need to shower after? Wash your face, put on fresh makeup? Unless you work 5 minutes from home, that isn't the easiest idea, unless you're going to Dennys or a 24hr gym....

Or...sleep!

I think nursing has prematurely aged me. The very idea of doing anything after work other than eating dinner and passing out sounds very painful to me...