Night shift work

melsman1904 · Dec 9, 2011

It could be considered a stepping stone. I hired in to a hospital on nights and was able to score a day shift position after some time because I was already an employee. One distinct benefit is that you may know about an open position before it is posted for the general public to see.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Dec 9, 2011

Many, many nurses do this.

What are the reasons you feel you aren't cut out for it?

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Dec 9, 2011

Should a person take a job working 11 PM - 7 Am to get their foot in the door at a hospital?
I see ads for this postiion from time to time, but I don't think I am one for working night shift.
Or is it a stepping stone until daytime hours open up?

Stepping stone for many of us. Almost all the new grads hired at my hospital start at day/night or straight night positions. I started in a Day/Night position where I work two weeks of days then two weeks of nights.

The new hires usually wait for another shift to open - usually day/evening and we move to that. The most senior nurses get the straight days or 12 hour positions.

Day/Night is the worst because there is never a time when I am always asleep. I am having the toughest time getting any sleep between night shifts. I sleep for two hours, wake up, then try for the rest of the day to get some sleep in before going back to work. By the third or fourth day of this, I am a complete zombie.

Days is a breeze. Freaking banker's hours by comparison.

The one thing I found that helps me sleep is exercise. After starting my new job, I stopped some of the healthy habits I had been practicing - good, healthy foods and exercise. I joined a yoga studio and starting going 4 times a week or so and within two weeks, I was able to get 5-6 hours of sleep between night shifts. Which is a lot compared to what I was getting before.

I start a Day/Eve schedule in a few weeks.

pat8585 · Dec 9, 2011

Thanks for everyone's response. I think the trying to sleep during the day would be bothersome for me.

But I would consider it if it meant a job opportunity.

birdie22 · Dec 9, 2011

It is a stepping stone, but dont expect that to happen right away. You usually have to pay your dues for a year or so before moving on up. It will go by seniority usually and be assured there are others who are hired to nights before you with the exact same plan, so they will get the go ahead first.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 9, 2011

I work as a Safety Care Associate (sitter), and I am required to work two 11-7am shifts/month. As much as I dislike the shift, I realize that I am giving myself an edge over the competition by working in the hospital.

You do what you have to do. Take the work and earn your stripes. Then after a couple of years or three, you will have more experience and more opportunity to work better hours elsewhere.

ILOVEnrsg2 · Dec 9, 2011

I am a new grad. I honestly am glad I work night shift where I work. I work on a really busy Med-Surg floor 1900-0700 3 nights a week. It's a lot more slower on nights, the pace is nice, I like my co-workers on nights, and I get shift differential. My co-horts that were hired with me that are on days really don't get paid enough for what they have to deal with on days (ever-changing doctors orders, family, PT/OT, etc.) and after 3 months, I'm really considering myself lucky to be on nights. My sleeping schedule is weird, I do stay up most of the night before night shifts and sleep all day.

I would just take it as a stepping stone, and see how you like it. Experience is very important, and I'm sure a day shift will open up. As for me, I would NEVER want to work days on my floor...too hectic...

ILOVEnrsg2 · Dec 9, 2011

Oh and just to add..invest in a good eye mask for when you sleep. It makes getting rest during the day all the difference.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Dec 9, 2011

Changing your circadian rhythm can be difficult. If your household would be quiet and dark, and you did not have daytime responsibilities.... it could be do-able.

A lot of nurses prefer this shift because it can be less hectic.

Personally, I could never adjust to midnights... but I did manage to pull it off for a year until (in my case). a day position opened.

I don't like days either! Afternoons is the place for me.

Good luck.

vashtee, RN · Dec 9, 2011

I work on a really busy Med-Surg floor 1900-0700 3 nights a week. It's a lot more slower on nights, the pace is nice, I like my co-workers on nights, and I get shift differential. My co-horts that were hired with me that are on days really don't get paid enough for what they have to deal with on days

I just wanted to thank you for noticing the difference between days and nights. I agree that day shifts (at least on MY floor) are crazy, but I could never stay awake all night. To each their own...

Sparrowhawk · Dec 10, 2011

Oh and just to add..invest in a good eye mask for when you sleep. It makes getting rest during the day all the difference.

For some...mine gives me migraines....I hung black plastic up on the windows...dark as night.