Published
I had to switch from nights to days because I couldn't sleep days. I admire the nurses who can work nights, I just couldn't do it.
Day shift is a whole different ballgame. I do think you have to interact with so many different personalities, from administration on down.
We happen to have a great team and work well together. I couldn't make it otherwise.
Count me in on the "I love my night shift" crowd. True night shifters are a different type of personality.
I've been on nights for 28 years now and have the opinion that you would have to pay me at least double to work days. In fact, I turned down a contract in Hawaii because the wording of the contract gave them the option to float me to dayshift!
I will be the first to admit, I couldn't do day shift at my hospital. The pace is way to fast and I couldn't stand to have my nurse manager in my face for that long. At least at night, I can do my job and take care of my patients without the constant micromanaging. No wonder the nurses on day shift are so cranky.
I just recently started working nights after transfering from day shift at another one of our facilities. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to sleep during the day, and about having less resources available at night, but it was a big goal of my to work on this unit so I took the night job. Much to my surprise, I am absolutely loving it! I love the atmosphere, work with a great group of co-workers, and the pace suits me better. I'm also having no trouble sleeping during the day...if management were to offer me a position on days right now I'd instantly turn them down, I'll probably stay on nights permanently unless some family dynamic changes and I absolutely have to switch.
abbaking
441 Posts
This is an odd thread but the more I think about it, the more I am so happy that I work the NOC shift.
I know that I can't work with my manager or any higher ups looking over my shoulder all the time to point out my weaknesses. I can't stand some of the Miss Goody 2 Shoes Perfect Me nurses that are the epitome of what irriates me beyond belief.
For example, there is a day shift team leader that we jokingly refer to as "Plastic" - She has a fake smile, fake personality, and overall fake cosmetically altered face - More Botox in her face than Joan Rivers.
Other day shift personalities I do not care for are my nurse educator. Deadpan in his facial expressions for everything. You could light a firecracker in his mouth and still you will get this blank stare.
At least on the NOC shift I work with many different and exciting personalities. There is much to learn from my co-workers and they have zest and energy....its a quality I have rarely seen in day shift staff.
I know I am rambling here but It just dawned on me
Maybe NOC shift staff is more energetic and alive due to the fact that our managers are not there.
As I always say "What happens on Night shift, Stays on night shift".