I don't know how long I'll be able to do nights...

[violet_violet]

I don't know how long I'll be able to do nights, 8hrs shifts, 72 hrs a pay period. I just started on nights finally after being trained but looking in at long term, I honestly don't know how long I'll last and be able to stick with this life style. It kinda sucks. I hate to complain but what to do? I already put in a request to be considered for another shift but very unlikely that there will be an open position. What if I can't stick it out? Is worth it to just look into another hospital in the area that does 12 hour shifts??

I've done 12 hour shifts nights in the past and seem to be able to tolerate that more...

[kirsnikity]

That is a tough shift. I don't know how anyone can do 8 hour shifts, full time, on nights. 3-12s is hard enough. It's nearly impossible to have a normal life when you are working five nights a week. I would get out of this position and into a 12-hr position if you can. You know your own body and what you can handle. Nights isn't for everyone.

[akanini, MSN, RN]

I KNOW nights isn't for me and my body. I don't know what day it is. I can't practice safely and I will tell an employer that. If you know it's not for you, YES try to get out of it as soon as you can.

[Tobygo2]

I know exactly how you feel about 8-he nights, they are BRUTAL. I'm working my last week of them before I change shifts. Stay optimistic though, a position opened up that I got much quicker than I thought.

[R!XTER]

I've never done 5 nights a week, but it sounds brutal! I'm doing 3 12's which I think may be a bit easier but after 2 years is really wearing me out! I would say at least try to transfer to 12hr night shifts if possible.

[IcySageNurse]

I would talk to them and tell them that you're miserable and want to switch to a day shift or 12 hour nights. If not possible, look for another position. You could try another hospital if you like hospital work, or try to move into office work - nothing like normal M-F 9-5 hours!

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I like nights and hate nights at the same time. I love being able to wave goodbye to management in the morning. Night shift people seem more laid back in relaxed.

I do feel that is hard to switch back and forth and I generally don't have alot of energy to do things like work out and etc.

I would do parttime if you can. If not, it may be best to do 3 12's.

[HyperSaurus, RN, BSN]

I work 8 hour nights--it works out to about 5 shifts one week, 3 shifts the next, 5 shifts one week, 3 shifts the next. I don't think I could enjoy doing 5 shifts a week every week. That would be quite tiring. Personally, though, I think I would have a hard time always doing 12s. Who knows..