full nights vs. rotating

Daedalus · Dec 30, 2002

Although I'm not in the nursing field (I'm considering going back to school to get a degree in Nursing), I believe I can give you some feedback. I currently work as a police officer and we work rotating shift work: 12 hour shifts, 4 shifts on, 4 shifts off. We do 2 rotations of days and then 2 rotations of nights. You're not going to like what I have to say, but studies have shown that shiftwork decreases your life expectancy. I suffer from the same problems as you do Bluegirl. Shiftwork is very draining, both mentally and physically and you never really do get used to it.

One way of coping with shiftwork is to make the most of your days off. Don't waste your time lounging on the couch watching TV, no matter how exhausted you are. Go for a walk, go to the gym or just hang out with friends. Wasting time at home on your days off will only lead to depression and make things worse...trust me, I know what I'm talking about.

I'm sorry I can't put a bright spin on things, but shiftwork really does suck. Work your way up the ranks and maybe one day you can get that straight day job.

Good luck!!

911fltrn · Dec 30, 2002

The only way to do nights is just that! You have to sleep the same hours every day. Including your days off. Example 1000 am to 1700 hrs every day! Hard to do if you have family! Happy New Years everyone!

bluegirl · Dec 30, 2002

Sleeping all day is not only hard to do if you have children ... But also if you are trying to develop relationships (but too moody/sleep deprived and on a bizarre schedule to do so), enjoy the outdoors, waking up early, the sunshine, etc....

Working nightshift, I'm still waking up early on my days off to bike, ski, hike, etc... becuase those are the things that make me happy and keep me going. So, my body is in a permanent state of jet-lag and confusion. Has rotating days/nights been a better option than straight nights for anyone who loves the daytime?? Or is it better just to stick it out on full nights until I am able to get a day position? And is days based upon senority everywhere? (excuse my inchoerence it's nearing the end of my night shift :)

Trauma Columnist · Dec 30, 2002

Personally - I think there are some people that can't adjust to night shift. I've been on nights for over 10 years and really want to move to days also. However, just for convenience so that I work the same as hubby.

I have found the most successful night-shift people treat the day sleeping just like you would at night - no telephone on, no outside interference. Let people know you sleep during the day and NOT to disturb you. My kids were young when I went to nightshift and they learned not to disturb mommy - daddy would be just as good to go to. I did have a stretch of time when husband was overseas and I stayed here with kids and then I invested in daycare during the day (and night unfortunately) so I could sleep. Of course I lived in Vegas at the time and 24/7 daycare is available.

If you can't do nights, talk to your manager, recruitment, etc and see what else might be availabe. I know a lot of people work second shift when they have young ones.

Good luck....judi

emily_mom · Dec 30, 2002

I don't think swing shift is going to help anything, as your body will just be more out of whack. It's not going to know when it's supposed to be sleeping or working....

What about looking for a different dept in your hospital or this other one that offers days or PMs? Then you can keep your eye open for openings in Peds. I don't think you can keep doing what you're doing....you're going to crash and burn quickly....

Kristy

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2002

Not everyone can do nights. It takes a rare breed. Some people never adjust.

Physically speaking rotating shifts are hard. You can always try it. Perhaps the day side of the rotation, you'll regain your sanity.

When I was in nursing school many years ago. I read that people who rotate shifts have more physical problems than those who work strictly days. But the night shift workers were the most unhealthy. So for you it might be better to rotate. Try it. It won't be good for you at all, but maybe slightly better.

Dazedgiggle · Dec 30, 2002

When I was a CNA and for my first year and a half as an RN I worked full time nights, 5 eight hour shifts a week. As much as I HATED it, I did get used to it and it was very convenient for school. But like you said, it's nearly impossible to develop retlationships or do the things I like to do. When I switched jobs, I worked 12 hour rotating shifts, and I was really screwed up!! And I was lucky!! We didn't rotate for 6 weeks!! (6 weeks nights, 6 weeks days). I LOVED the day rotation, had no problem adjusting to that, but nights was a big problem, even though I had done it for so long. Problem was when I did 5 nights a week I just stayed up the other two nights and kept to my schedule, but with 12 hour shifts I only worked 3 nights a week, and I certainly wasn't going to stay up the four nights that I wasn't working. I hate to say it, but I have to agree with most people here, nights probably isn't good for too many people, but it's probably better than rotating if you have to do it. Just stay confident that you'll get that day position! It only took 8 months before I got my 12 hour days! Good luck! :)

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2002

I worked afternoons for five years on a wild hem/onc/bmt unit then night for a couple months. I ended up ill and in the hospital with malnutrition and exhaustion. I could not sleep during the day, could not eat on nights as I was so nauseated. I feel for you. Does your hospital have anyone on 8s that you could transfer to afternoons? What about another hospital?

renerian

shunda · Dec 30, 2002

I currently work night shift and I am in school. When I was working full-time on nights I too was miserable. So I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to do something so I went part-time. Now for you this might not be an option but see if you can get an extra day off during the week. Also, everyone is correct you are going to have to get your rest as if you worked days. I have 3 little boys and night shift is very hard to adjust to because your body was designed to sleep at night. You will not ever just totally adjust to the night shift but get your proper rest and exercise and try not to change your eating habits. Also keep preservering for that day shift job. Even though the nurses at your job have been there for years anything is possible. Talk to your supervisior and keep the faith and hold on because you could get days sooner than you think. I am going to keep you in my thoughts and prayers and I am going to pray that you get days real soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!

SHUNDA

HOLD ON THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!!!!!!!

altomga, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN · Dec 30, 2002

I have to agree that working night-shift is not for everyone. I work 12hr nights 7p-7a and love it. I have always been a night person even before I was a nurse. I actually get to see my kids more this way and for now it works out better for my family. I will of course switch to a day position, but only after I finish getting my BSN. There are us who like nights, so those like you don't have to. Speak with your manager; feeling sleep deprived and exhausted are increasing your chances of making a fatal mistake. At the minimum found sleeping on the job. Find a day position somewhere and GOOD LUCK!:)

sjoe · Dec 30, 2002

As you can see from the above posts, everyone is different. Some people's body clocks are set for night shift and they hate everything else (there are a couple of interesting books out about night shift people).

Same goes for changing shifts. Some people (usually VERY young ones) like the variety, but most people find their sleep patterns, relationships, and health damaged by it. Myself, I like evening shift best, refuse midnight shifts (though before I was 25 I liked them), and will work day shifts only rarely and for short periods.

Your body clock is telling you what you are like. Ignore it at your own cost, IMHO.