Noc Shift Any Easier ???

Nurses General Nursing

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I work on a very busy tele unit, 3 - 12 hour days. We have no nursing aids, note our own orders, do all 3 meals, the baths, most of the surgeries and procedures etc. are done on days. The nursing station is wild with too many people (bodies and too many talking at the same time). Plus all the doctors with thier pages of orders. The ancillary stafff is there along with all aspects of housekeeping (hope you don't fall on a slippery floor as you run down the halls) and the manager crawling out of her office when the lights do not get answered giving us "the look."

I have not worked days in many years but with all the changes in healthcare and more and more work that is heaped upon the nurses I am considering 2 12hour nights.

I can't say I am a great day sleeper but after a couple of day 12's I am fried the next day anyway.

Would appreciate some input. Thanks.

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I loved working nights, the only reason I went to days was because I acquired a family. From the sound of it I think you might be happier on nights.

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Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

Iam tired just reading your post!

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

I don't think nights are "easier" - just "different".

Nights has it's own pitfalls, shortcomings - and perqs and benefits.

cheers,

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I found nights to be a safer place for a new nurse. I had time to (OMG) read the chart and look up meds. Big difference. If you're feeling swamped, I would suggest nights. The pace is different, and I actually learned more. At nights I learned how to give nebs appropriately, including pre/post assessment. This is also when I learned to function on the Code Team. And do EKG's. And had more time to do better assessments.

Yes, you're supposedly much more "on your own." During crazy, busy days no one has time to help you. At nights, at least you have the time to ask for help/advice. And other nurses may actually have the time to help you.

Good Luck!

seva

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Nights stays busy, usually have more patients per nurse since we don't have 3 meals, etc. Nice thing though, is there is not as much external chaos. Fewer doctors, fewer visitors, not so many discharges and even then those tend to be clustered early in the shift. I have heard people say we had better team work on nights because we really have to rely on each other.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
I don't think nights are "easier" - just "different".

Nights has it's own pitfalls, shortcomings - and perqs and benefits.

cheers,

I agree, as a 13 year veteran of working night shift. The ratios are worse as well.

Day shift for me is busier for all the reasons stated in the op's post. NOC shift for me let me be in a little more control, and I could usually count on a lull around 2:00AMish to get myself together. Days, that never happens as it's go go go all 12 hours.

As a nurse, I've always worked hard and don't know any other way.

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Too many shirts on days. I worked nights for almost 7 years and thought I was tired of it. Have been on days mostly for about a year and am looking for a night spot.

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Specializes in cardiology-now CTICU.

there is good about nights. the money, and...the money. no seriously! more teamwork, less family members/doctors who want access to your pt. less external chaos is right, but bear in mind what others have touched on- fewer resources- you will have to learn to manage urgent situations more independently and many tests are not available and things wait until morning. also more codes for some reason 4-6 AM is popular. and the ratios. i find that during the day my heavy double will be split up "because it is just too much for days, they need to be singled" but when i come back the next night, sure enough- doubled again! not that the patient's care needs have changed, just that it's dark outside now. the "important shift" (days) is over... you don't really do nursing care at night, right....? lol. vent over. i love nights! if i had to work days i'd quit!

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I would think that working night shift would be easier with kids because then you dont have to worry about a babysitter. Whos going to pick up the kids after school? Who's going to take the kids to school? Anyone have experience with night shift with school age children?

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I would think that working night shift would be easier with kids because then you dont have to worry about a babysitter. Whos going to pick up the kids after school? Who's going to take the kids to school? Anyone have experience with night shift with school age children?

I guess you have to have a plan and a back-up plan, involving parents of classmates, neighbors, grandparents, or the children's other parent. Not so different from working evenings or days.

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For the OP: Nights can be boring and you might begin to feel isolated if you don't get to see anyone or go anywhere during your time off. It is less stressful, I'd say, at least it is where I work. I can sleep fairly well during the late afternoon and early evening, just at the time I would like to be with my kids. :madface: I die around 2-4 a.m. then am revitalized.

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