Have been offered a Day position

[dreamingofbeing]

I recently changed jobs where I went from a very busy city hospital to a small local hospital and I love it so far. I got hired for midnights which is what I have always worked so no problem there. Well I am almost out of orientation and it just so happens a day position has opened up on my unit and since no one else was interested I got offered the position. I really want to take it but I am a little nervous. I am so used to nights in the hospital setting will working days be that much of a difference? Is it better that I do this now before I get into the whole routine of nights on my own on this unit? This is a rare opportunity especially for the newbie.

[Nacki, MSN, NP]

How would your life be different if you went to days vs staying on nights? Would it be better or worse. Could you handle the decrease in pay for a "normal" life on dayshift? Think about it. I would take it in a heartbeat cause I hate nights.

[hikernurse]

Days can be quite a bit different than nights, but you'll adjust :).

Days can be more frenetic and chaotic--there are more people around; visitors, doctors, OT/PT, etc. Patients have more scheduled tests. The pay is less. Noc shift seems to have a little more comradery.

On the other hand, you get to sleep nights and that can be a big plus. I've been working nights and thinking of moving to days because I'm just always so worn out.

Go for it; if you don't like it, you can always switch back :).

[towntalker]

days are busy no doubt about that but you also have more cnas and you have ward clerks [most noc do not] and when you ae busy time goess back..

this is a really personal decision, what fits in with your family life etc

if you have been doing orientation on daysthen you know pretty much what to expect

good luck in which ever one you choose

[just1, MSN]

Days are busier--baths, meals, physician rounds, visitors, tests, etc. But you have the extra support of a Unit Clerk, management, etc. Try it--it's worth it to get back on a "normal" schedule of sleeping nights.