Need Help writing change of shift letter

Nurses General Nursing

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I am in desperate need of help! i need ot write a letter to change my shift from night to morning and I have no idea how to even begin. Please I need help. I cant tolerate the night shift any longer. Iam always tired, moody, sleepy and I feel I have more support in the AM than PM. Please help me wirte this letter.

Thank you all!

Just write what you told us as if you were saying it to your boss. Use the language that you would use for a formal letter to the boss, something like, "I request to change to the day shift due to personal reasons. After working X amount of months on the night shift I find that I can not adjust to working at night. My health is suffering. I would highly appreciate favorable consideration of my request so that I may remain a productive worker. Signed suzie smith.

Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

I would not write 'for personal reasons'. I would focus on health, mainly inability to get enough sleep, leading to fatigue, moodiness, inability to concentrate/focus on job. You may want to see your doc, as well.

Specializes in Oncology.

Chances are, if there aren't any openings for day shift on your unit, you're not going to be able to get days. At my hospital you need to watch openings and apply for a day position as they open. Good luck, though.

While "health" is as personal as you can get, I agree you should use the words "health reasons" rather than personal reasons. Personal is a catch-all that might lead them to think that your hubby is wanting you home at night and that would not be a good enough reason to change shifts.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

:yawn: I haven't had my AM coffe yet....I actually thought OP meant she had to write a report LETTER to the incoming shift!!!

I thought "holy crap - now they think we have time to write a letter at shift change?!"

OK, time to drink up and get those brain cells to work:D

Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.
:yawn: I haven't had my AM coffe yet....I actually thought OP meant she had to write a report LETTER to the incoming shift!!!

I thought "holy crap - now they think we have time to write a letter at shift change?!"

OK, time to drink up and get those brain cells to work:D

Me too! Make me a cup please! :) ~Ivanna

Thanks all for your help...

Specializes in Anesthesia, CTICU.

My unit has an informal method of requesting days. On any piece of paper (scrap, notepad) we write, "I would like to be considered for transfer to a daytime shift when a position becomes available. Signed...."

The NM then looks at the paper, pulls out a list from the drawer, and your name is in queue. Some units/managers might want to hear all the details behind your desire to switch, but I suspect many do not. Adding info like health reasons.. personal reasons... the day manager does NOT want to inherit (from nights) someone with problems or excessive needs. IMHO, keep it SSS and avoid the TMI letter. :)

Specializes in OR.

The only advice I can give is wait because there will be a list for dayshift that probably will last over year . And seniority does matter in this type of situation !!!

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