I've been a nurse for a year now, started orientation on days, of course, and then on nights. That's how it's usually done in my hospital. Well, I always assumed that I would switch to day shift, the "normal" shift, after my rough first year was over. But here I am, 1 year into it, and I can't imagine EVER switching to day shift! I love my night shift co-workers, we always help each other out, we go out to breakfast together sometimes, less BS to deal with, don't have to see the mgr as much (who is great but a bit of a micro-manager), and don't have to feel like an insane person running around during dayshift. I'd hate waking up at 5am and having to deal with the extra stresses of day shift for so much less pay. Our shift differential is pretty substantial.
The only thing that bothers me is that staying on night shift will mean that I will forever be "off" in relation to the rest of the world's schedule. I still manage to have a social life, however, but sometimes I get slightly bothered by this idea of always being on the opposite schedule of the rest of the world. Oh well. Small price to pay, I think. Plus being on dayshift would make me MORE exhausted!
I am a new BSN grad and starting my first nursing job tomorrow night. I signed on for 50/50 days & nights (each for a month at a shot). Since I've never worked a night shift, I wanted to know how other's feel and learn any tricks for successfully managing the switch... thanks to all of you for providing just that!
I'll check back after a time and let anyone interested know how it's going.
:mortarboard:
Been working night shift for two years now in LTC... The first year I worked full time, and was ready to quit everyday... Felt like I NEVER had a day off, because by the time my body caught up to being off, it was back to work time...
A year ago, I had the GREAT fortune of bidding on part time on our floor on night shift. Now I love going to work. I am 54 yrs old, and full time was just toooo much on my worn out body. Part time is terrific for me. People work together on my floor and my shift. We talk about fun things and have fun working. No Mang. around, and the RN and LPNs are super. They respect the CNA's and we enjoy working together.
Am glad I did not change jobs, just my hours that first year. Hang in there nighters... We all have been there and need each other.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
glad for those who love NOCS. You can have MY place cause after 9 years of it, I have had enough..,,,,,
lil ole body can't handle the sleep adjustments and the like. And since I quit it, carb cravings nearly gone. No need to take melatonin to sleep, (and not sleep well anyhow).
I am truly glad for those who love NOCS, bless you! It's never been for me.
Oh man I wished I could learn to like nights!!! I feel like crap all the time, mixed up & emotional....that is not like me. I agree the pay is better, & it is slower, but I miss the rush of things on days. I used to work nights & never could adjust....now as a new nurse here I go again. I am going to give it a little time & hope I can adjust or something opens up on days....if not I guess I will be driving 1 1/2 hrs for a day shift. My hat is off to anyone that can work nights & have a life!
edit...Sorry thought it was slower....I was wrong!
I'm glad to hear so many enjoy nights. I will graduate in May with my BSN, have two kids and think nights would be best so that I can be a part of their lives. Also, seems to me (and confirmed by your posts) that there is SOOOOO much BS on days. I do, however have a quick question. For night shift, are weekends considered Fri night and Sat night or Sat and Sun night (actually Monday) ??? Thanks!!!
I, too, love the night shift, but due to increasing age, was considering moving to days. We do the three 12-hr nights per week at the hospital where I work. Recently I became aware of the benefit of taking melatonin when I lie down to sleep during the day. Normally, your brain takes three hours to produce melatonin (for a deep restful sleep); this way I have it in my system right away. For your brain to produce melatonin, it requires darkness, so I wear a mask that covers my eyes and provides me with darkness. I also have a cup of Sleepytime, Sleepytime Plus or other "sleep" tea. Then I put on a favorite CD and my earphones...and go to sleep! Since I've been doing this, I get the sleep I need during the day, and I wake up refreshed and ready to go back to work that night! Only problem I have now is going back to day schedule on my days off.
Hello everyone! I am a new nurse, 3 months to be exact. I just started working nights on a telemetry floor. I am able to stay awake all night without any problems, but when I get home I feel wired. I don't drink alot of coffee or cokes, I don't know why I cant sleep. What I mean by can't sleep is that I only sleep about 4-5 hours. Any suggestions?
this is a response to chippydoll. please refer to my posting, just above yours. there are several tips in this posting for helping you to get the sleep you need. good luck! vbmenu_register("postmenu_1827670", true);
I have been a night nurse for many years and still love it. The only thing now at 46 I am noticing I need more sleep. I used to work a 12 hour shift go to the gym and work out for an hour come home eat then go to bed and wake up at 1330 and be wide awake. Now I work the shift go home get maybe 30 minutes of a slack workout then eat fast go to bed and wake up at 1600. Oh well. Soon I guess it will be work the shift go home not eat and sleep until the next shift:uhoh21: No I do not sleep at work if I ever nod off it is because I am sick (done that and was admitted the next day).
Some of us never get over it! I'm 52 now and have been working nights for 24 years now. They would have to pay me double to work day shift! As a result, most of my friends are either other shift workers or musicians (the only others who want to go out and do things at 2 am).
I don't think I'll ever turn around and can envision myself someday being that little old woman sitting in the geri chair next to the nurses station all night because she just won't sleep
meintheUSA
137 Posts
A year ago, I had the GREAT fortune of bidding on part time on our floor on night shift. Now I love going to work. I am 54 yrs old, and full time was just toooo much on my worn out body. Part time is terrific for me. People work together on my floor and my shift. We talk about fun things and have fun working. No Mang. around, and the RN and LPNs are super. They respect the CNA's and we enjoy working together.
Am glad I did not change jobs, just my hours that first year. Hang in there nighters... We all have been there and need each other.