Which Shift?

ERNurse752, RN · Oct 4, 2001

Personally, I like night shift the best (7p-7a in my case.) I'm not very scientific about it...I'm a "night owl" as opposed to a "morning person," and at my hospital we have a $2.70/hr shift differential.

Also, at some places I've worked at, the night crew seems to be a more laid back, cohesive group of people. Not sure why that is, but that's been my experience

RNforLongTime · Oct 4, 2001

I agree with Tricia, I recently made the switch to night shift from evening shift. What a difference! The night shift crew on my floor work much better as a team than did the nurses on evening shift. I tried to be a team player, but it is hard when no one offers their assistance when you are busy and they are sitting there playing solitaire on the computer!!!!! After a while, I stopped offering this nurse my help. She is one of the big reasons that I decided to go on nights.

Night shift is busy at times but then again there are no doctors writing umpteen new orders that you must implement at 10pn at night or family members calling you at 3 am to check on the condition of their loved one. I don't mind speaking to family members but it does get frustrating when you have told several different family members the same information about their loved one. It takes away from my time with my other 5 patients. On Night shift, I care for up to eight patients. There are two Aides to assist with call-lights, Vitals, etc.

So far, I love night shift!

Just my two cents! Kelly:)

Ted · Oct 4, 2001

It's the night shift for me!!! Lot's of time to talk to patients . . .when they're awake. Lot's of time to eat . . . when they're sleeping. (Just kidding . . . although I did gain fifty pounds working on the night shift over the years).

The night shift people tend to work well together, are more laid back, and love to eat (oops, there's that word again).

The money is good . . . extra cash to buy more food!!!

Don't have to worry about doctors running in and out of the unit like chickens with their heads cut off . . . they also tend to gobble up much of the food, too . . . bad doctors, bad doctors.

Ted Fiebke

jfpruitt · Oct 4, 2001

Sounds like Night shift is the place for me. Laid back and lots of food. HEHE. Plus extra money. I just know I'm not a night person. I wonder why everyone doesnt choose this shift then? At our local hospital, they are begging for night people.

jfpruitt · Oct 4, 2001

I meant, I'm not a MORNING Person...I hate um!!

rjlrn95 · Oct 4, 2001

Love those nights!!!

There is the shift diff thing but now I'm agency so forget that.

It is more laid back, we do 7p-7a and there are fewer orders, fewer dr's, fewer family after 9p, fewer of everything and as Ted said More Food!!! Provided you have time to order it and then eat while you chart!!

I know many who would love to do nights but just cannot sleep in the day time. I have noticed the older I get-boo boo hissss-

my body wants me to sleep at night but I haven't given in yet.

You do have more time with your patients as well.

kaycee · Oct 4, 2001

I'm a steady 3-11 person. I have been for over 15yrs. I did it mainly cause I hate daylight and my husband works steady nights. When my kids were little they were with my husband or me, no day care.

My kids are grown now and it's just what I'm used to.

I've been the steady 3-11 charge nurse in our ER for most of those 15yrs. It's the busiest shift for the most part and physically it's hard but there's no bosses and we all get along great. If my husband(who's a cop) didn't work nights I might do that. I'm not a morning person at all and tend to stay up late at night, even when I'm off.

Night shift in our ER can be busy too but they do always have food. LOL that seems to be a common factor with all night folks.

Hope you enjoy whatever shift you pick!!

Harleyhead · Oct 4, 2001

I work 3-11 only. It all starting going to nursing school 8-2:30 then working 3-11. I have gotten used to this shift. Gives me lots of time to ride my bikes sleep late and the 3-11 shift nevers have free food.

frustratedRN · Oct 4, 2001

ditto night shift for all the same reasons stated above...

this seems pretty coincidental doesnt it?

wonder how many of us who post on this board work that shift.

jfpruitt · Oct 4, 2001

Night shift sounds great, wonder why all RN's dont try and work this shift? Unless, you just have family conflicts.

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2001

Lordy, I HATE night shift!!! I'm very, very happy that there are people out there that like 'em 'cause then I have fewer of them to do. I have to do five nights in a six-week schedule and that's five too many! I prefer my 12-hour daylight, 7A to 7P, three days a week.

I'm one of those types that actually likes the frenzy of the day with physicians and all the ancillary people rushing to and fro. And I really like being in my bed under my down comforter when it's dark outside! I get a headache sleeping in the daylight; always have, suppose I always will.