Advice for a newbie, anyone?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hello, nurses- quick question.

I am a brand new baby nurse (6 months experience) working FT night shift in a pediatric hospital. I love pediatrics and can't really fathom the idea of working with adults...no offense to those who do! Anyway, that's irrelevant.

I have always been a morning person. Before starting my career, I'd barely make it to 10pm and then I'd be awake by 6:30 or 7am. Night shift has drastically changed my lifestyle for the worse; I've experienced hormonal imbalances, depression, social withdrawal due to constant sleeping, etc. The shift differential isn't even worth it to me anymore. Basically I feel as if I'm more cut out for days. My question is: is it appropriate for me, a new nurse, to ask my manager about switching to days? Should I be waiting it out until I hit the 1 year mark?

If things don't work out on the unit I'm currently on, I'm thinking about making the switch to another unit on day shift; either that or move facilities. Night shift has really taken its toll on me and I'm not sure if it's something I'm expected to "tough out" as a newbie or not. Help!

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I am not a nurse yet but I am sure that talking to your manager is not going to hurt you. Just make sure to be honest and explain how working at night makes you feel both emotionally and physically. The worst part that can happen is the manager says no.

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Specializes in NICU.

The response you will get is "We offer day shift positions based on seniority". You will probably take a few years to get dayshift. Switching to a different unit will not help since they will also offer day positions based on seniority.

I'm not sure if it's something I'm expected to "tough out" as a newbie or not. Help!

Yes it is.

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I find this so strange. A friend of mine got in trouble for only picking up night shifts when we were new grads.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
I find this so strange. A friend of mine got in trouble for only picking up night shifts when we were new grads.

Really?! I wish I had this problem!

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