Pregnant Now, thinking of switching from night to day shift?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi all,

I am a RN on a stepdown unit at a teaching hospital in Southern CA. I've been here a year. I am currently on night shift and I'm 4 month pregnant. I will be gone for maternity leave from July-November. I am thinking of switching to day shift, preferably after I come back from my leave. But there are at least 2 people going from day to night and there are openings/ opportunities to switch shift soon...

Night shift: I like people on night shift better and shift differential is $7/hr. My husband works business hours so there will always be someone at home for the baby. We will have to hire a live-in nanny though- which we anticipate. My shift differential will probably cover the difference and my husband makes more than I do. I can sleep 6-7 hrs during the day now but I am still tired and my days off are spent resting.

Day shift: Better for my body and health. We might be able to hire a babysitter to come only during the day and the three of us will have more time together. However, people on day shift on my unit are kind of clicky. My new manager is overly friendly and agressive, which is annoying. Day shift on our surgical stepdown floor is super busy and if I switch now, I'm afraid my pregnant body cannot handle it well.

Overall, I don't wanna feel regretful after the switch. My husband is supportive either way. My mother hates to see me working graveyeard. But I do not know what I really want. What do guys and girls think?

Thanks.

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Specializes in LTC.

You have to do what is best for you and your family. I worked nights and it was not for me. I switched to evenings. I love night shift but it is hard on my body and I'm tired of sleeping all day when I get off. With the new baby you will probably be up nights anyway so that is a thought.

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You have to do what is best for you and your family. I worked nights and it was not for me. I switched to evenings. I love night shift but it is hard on my body and I'm tired of sleeping all day when I get off. With the new baby you will probably be up nights anyway so that is a thought.

True! I don't wanna work night all my life but it seems like a fourable option at this point. Thanks.

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