I hate night shift

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Ok, so I just need to talk, so here goes..

I am a new nurse, and I requested night shift because I didn't think I could handle the BS of days, with all the admits and docs and whatever. But after 1 week of nights, I started to get depressed and feel like ****, which is sooo not like me. I hate it. I am a happy person, and I want to just quit my da*n job. I cry about 4+ times a week, for varying reasons, just to "get it out", although I don't know what I am realy getting out, I am just so unhappy. Lonely mostly. I haven't made night shift friends yet, but I don't have any of my usual friends up at 2am. I have tried to do the day schedule thing on my off days, but I feel so tired I end up crashing at 5pm for a 5 hour nap, and feel even more let down by my body because I missed more day hours that I could have been up. I work better getting up at 5pm daily, and going to bed at about 8 or 9 am.

Anyone else understand? None of my coworkers get it, they are all getting up at 12pm on their days off and going to bed at 10pm, acting like normal. I can't freaking do that!!!!! I wish I could, but it's just not for me, and as a result I am so alienated. Help! I have asked for day shift, but until then, what do I do? Thanks :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

First, you are not giving yourself time to 'adjust'. You might still hate it, but after a week, how do you know?

You said yourself that you haven't had a chance to get to know anyone. Your body surely hasn't had the chance to adjust.

Nights aren't for everybody, that's why we get paid more!

I knew in 10th grade, when I stayed up until 2am and slept through my first 3 periods that I would work nights for a living someday.

But, in the meantime, you just can't expect that major life changes happen overnight. I'd give it some more time.

And THEN, if it doesn't work, I'd consider a change.

BTW, many of my friends are up at 3am, just like me. But that's because that's the world I've lived in, for a long time. . .

MY friends know it's OK to call at 3am, but NOT at 10am!

And I rarely try to 'adjust' back to days on my days off. It's too danged hot! I just don't understand weirdos that are awake at noon all the time! LOL.

~faith,

Timothy.

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Specializes in Home Health, Primary Care.

Like Tim said, it definitely takes time. Same thing happened to me when I worked nights. It took a while for my body to adjust (I was like a vampire), once my body got with the program, on my days off, I was like a normal person. I dunno how, but it did eventually come together. Hang in there a little while longer and just think of the differential; perhaps that can be an inspiration.

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Specializes in med-surg/ortho for now.

Hi there, I completely understand how you are feeling. You are not alone. I honestly could have posted this myself. I am a new grad...only working 5 months on a busy med/surg ortho floor. I thought I needed time to adjust. Well, not to scare you...but things didnt get any better for me. After reading your post I realized I need to do something for myself. I cry a few times a week and dont know why. I feel so isolated from my family and friends. I just called my DON and asked for days. She was more than happy to welcome me aboard. I start next week. I urge you to do what will make you happy. If you think you will be happier on days, then go for it. YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE! And I should say thanks for the reality check. Let us know what you decide. Good luck

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Specializes in GERIATRICS, DEMENTIA CARE, MED-SURG.

It took me a full 6 months to get used to working nights. I have worked all the shifts and find this is the best fit for me. Hang in there.................

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Specializes in Critical Care.

The problem is that many new nurses are REQUIRED to work nights. Days are a preferential shift and many times, there is a waiting list for days.

So, working nights is a necessary evil until you build a seniority - for lots of new nurses, and even experienced nurses new at a facility.

This isn't normally the case when a unit is bleeding staff all over the place, but it IS a problem for some.

There are many threads on this site with tips for working nights. Go to search, click on advanced search, type in nights and limit your search to thread titles only.

Good luck to you.

~faith,

Timothy.

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Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I did ask for day shift, but I don't think it will happen for at least 3 months. So at least the ball is rolling.

What's weird is that my body seems to be used to it, but my mind isn't cought up yet or something. I have a "regular" schedule of getting up and gong to sleep at the same time, but after my fiance goes to bed, I get sooo depressed and lonely, and no one is awake, and I just spiral into this XXXX...and I have never felt this way. I sound like I need Dr. Phil. It probably isn't as bad as I'm making it sound, but as of right now, I gott say that I fel like crap about half the time.

Then you add the stress of a new job to the new schedule, and there you go, instant unhappiness. Sad thing is, I was sooo happy on days on orientation, now I feel like the shift is ruining my outlook on my job.

Thanks for listening. Oh, and what the XXXX is this --> :trout:

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Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I did ask for day shift, but I don't think it will happen for at least 3 months. So at least the ball is rolling.

What's weird is that my body seems to be used to it, but my mind isn't cought up yet or something. I have a "regular" schedule of getting up and gong to sleep at the same time, but after my fiance goes to bed, I get sooo depressed and lonely, and no one is awake, and I just spiral into this XXXXX...and I have never felt this way. I sound like I need Dr. Phil. It probably isn't as bad as I'm making it sound, but as of right now, I gott say that I fel like crap about half the time.

Then you add the stress of a new job to the new schedule, and there you go, instant unhappiness. Sad thing is, I was sooo happy on days on orientation, now I feel like the shift is ruining my outlook on my job.

Thanks for listening. Oh, and what the XXXX is this --> :trout:

LOL....a TROUT SLAP!

I've worked nights off and on for 20 years....you do get used to it. When I first started night shift....my co-workers told me it would probably be close to a year before I got completely used to night shift....and it was pretty close to that because I switched from 8 hour nights to 12's. I can't imagine working 8 hour nights now!!

Don't feel bad....some people can't work nights. I am one of those people that can't imagine working days again.....GET UP at 4am?? :lol2:

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.

I am a new RN. I work night shift in a LTC facility. I love it. I am home for my kids and can get things done during the day. I come home and sleep until 2 or 3 pm. I have time to do whatever needs to be done. Also I can stay up until baby goes down for a nap. I appreciate the fact on nights you don't have to deal with the corporate world. The Big Wigs come getting into your business on day shift and you have to smile and not tell them to leave you alone so you can get your work done. Good luck. You know when you fiance goes to sleep you might find something to occupy your mind. Find some good books take a long bath. Or come here to Allnurses.

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I love working nights also. I couldn't work any other shift.

Don't stress about not being able to switch your days and nights around like the other nurses you mentioned. If you are a night shift worker, it is actually better not to switch them around. If you do, you end up being up for 24 hours your first shift back. (If you sleep during the night before your next shift, you will likely be up all day and then have to work all night). You know what schedule works best for you, and there is nothing wrong with keeping to it.

I wish you the best!

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I am currently orientating on days and will be going to the 7pm-7am shift at the end of September. I have always been a day person, but am willing to give nights a try. Is it better to schedule if possible 3 twelve hour shifts in a row? or 2 night shifts day off and then work 1 day? I know the first day I will be dead on my feet when I come home. I am so tired now working 12 hour days. It really seems that you lose days in your life. Twelve hours really turn into 13 hours days for me as a new grad. I try to put a positive spin on working nights by realizing that corporate is not around. Don't have to deal with Doctors and people going to and from tests during the day.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.

Your 13 hours may turn into 12 hours when you go to nights. I find I can get a lot more done at night. I often finished others admissions. Do my assessments, do my meds and then my charting. I do move away from the nurses' desk for a half hour every shift. Why the heck not? They take it out anyway. We can fill out a slip saying it was too busy and did not get a break. But mentally it does me better to get away from the desk. You will also be able to manage time better because ancillary staff won't be there in the way, as well as not taking your charts when you need them. I personally would do 3 shifts in a row. Then you have 4 to recoup. I work 2 twelves and get paid for 3. I could work the 3rd one in a row if I had to. Unfortunately with mine and hubby's schedule I can only work Saturday and Sunday night. He is in the alley waiting for the car when I get home Monday morning so he can get to work on time. Things are gonna change though. A week from this monday he will have to get the kids off for school. Hopefully the baby will sleep through it all. Good luck with night shift when you start. I know I love it.

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