Another nite shift issue

Nurses General Nursing

Published

HI

I graduated May 08 and work for a large hosp that is 45min from home. I truly like the hosp and unit I work on. I like the pace of nite shift. The only thing is I have been doing four 8hr shifts a week and it is getting to me big time.

I do not have many 2nites off in a row. I do alot of 2on 1 off and it is taking over my life. I was hoping working as a nurse and making decent money that I would have a life. Not true at all. I am in my mid 40's and have 2 school aged kids. Not sure what to do. The thing is that I also have a PRN supervisor job at a LTC facilty close to home.

My plan has been to stick it out at the hosp on my med surg floor for a yr then decide if I want to stick with acute or LTC. The only thing is I have another 6months to go.

I have asked my manager if I can go to three 12s that is what all the other nite shift nurses do. But she said no she needs someone to do more eights. Policy says that if you do three 12s you work every 3rd weekend I work everyother.

Well thanks for listening.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't feel bad--it's important to manage your life and nursing as well. It's really up to you to decide whether to stick it out or change it up now. I went in working nights knowing there I'd be there for a while..but knowing it was a fixed period of time helped me get through it. Keep your options open and keep looking!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you can't do 12s, is there any way she would arrange a schedule where you could work 2, off 2, etc. I always hate it when I only have one night off, because I just sleep through it then I gotta go back to work. Hope if works out for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Telephone Triage.

When I worked four nights a week (for 7 years) I would work 4 on 2 off 4 on 4 off. That worked well for me, but I didn't have kids for most of those years. I know nights is hard. Try that schedule, then see about cutting back ASAP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Can you elaborate a little about why the 4 8 hours shifts are giving you trouble? Lack of sleep, can't sleep, working too much PRN?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ASk your supervisor if there are other options available and explain your situation to her. Maybe he/she will be more understanding and help you out ... hopefully.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just feel that all I do is sleep and work. I am making good money and plan on going to Disney in April for a week. But this no life is just not worth it. I need to try a different schedule I just have a very hard time working 3nites in a row. Next month I am scheduled with a bunch of two on one off and everyother weekend. I guess I should be happy I have a good paying job and I generally like the floor and hosp just not my schedule.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

op: what you are describing is the reason i did not take another position at my hospital. they wanted day shift 5-8s a week (6 every other weekend). one of the reasons i went into nursing was to get away from the un-family-friendly work schedules in the private sector. for some reason working in the private sector feels more like slavery (maybe because i feel like they are using me for their financial gain while i have no time for myself or family?) so, working more then 4-10s or 3-12s is too much for me emotionally and physically. but i digress...:twocents:

there must be another floor that can give you 3-12s. can you transfer? if not, maybe you can get another nursing job at a different hospital that will give you 3-12s? gl! :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree about looking for another unit/facility that may give you what you need.

We have had this discussion many times on nights...why it seems that more than 3 nights working in a row at night really works on you. I'm lucky in that I have two set days off each week so that I can go to school. I work every weekend, but I work 2 on, 1 off, 3 on, 1 off. My body seems to respond well to the regular nights off.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment