I'm an idiot

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics.

(I also posted this on the CNA forum - I hope you don't mind me posting here, just thought I'd get a little more responses!)

So I filled out an application at the nursing home that I had clinicals at, because I think it would be a great place to work. Now, it asked which shift I'd want to work, and I checked the box for 7-3 and 11-7 (I didn't check 3-11, because I work in a restaurant and those are basically my hours now, and I really hate those hours because I never get to spend that much time with family & friends.)

They called me back 2 hours later, and asked me to come in for an interview on Tuesday. They asked again what shift I'd want to work, and I said that I think that I would prefer 11-7, full-time. I'm really happy that I have an interview, but here's the problem: I'm starting to think that working 11-7 is a bad idea. I've only pulled an all-nighter about once in my whole life, and I'm definitely more of a morning person. I have no trouble getting up at 5 or 6 am and staying awake the whole day, even without caffiene (I hate coffee.) So I really have no idea why I was thinking about working 11-7....I think because of shift differential (I'm trying to save money to buy a condo), less stressful on the night shift (so I've heard), and I figured it wouldn't be too bad trying to stay up at night and sleep during the day.

But now I'm starting to think: If I have enough trouble staying up past midnight, how am I going to be able to stay awake throughout the shift at night? I think I'd be better suited for the morning shift, but should I even say something during the interview? I feel bad that I told the DON I'd prefer the night shift, and I don't want to leave a bad first impression, especially since I don't even know if I'll have the job yet.

Any thoughts or advice would me much appreciated. Thanks. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

As long as you can sleep for part of the day before your shift you should be fine. It may take a few shifts to get used to, but its not so bad. I have no trouble staying awake on nights. You cant fall asleep when theres work to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, M/S, Ortho, Float..

Working nights is good, especially when you are just starting out. You have more time to figure out how to do things and don't get caught up in all the crap that goes on on the other shifts. It can get hard if it get really busy and you don't have any help, but generally, it is an OK place to be for a while.

As far as the staying up all night thing, it not like you are up all day and then try to stay up all night. You sleep before going in so you are usually rested when you get there.

You do need to make sure you eat properly because that will keep you going. Trying to work on an empty stomach anytime is difficult. A bad diet will get you down before bad sleep will.

Give it a go. Most nurses have worked nights at some point and lived to tell the tale.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

I would recommend giving it a try. If it doesn't work out, you can always request a transfer to day shift or find another position.

I personally couldn't do night shift long-term (I switched to pms), but the slower pace (most nights), noc differential and yearly bonus were nice!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nights are not 'easier'. The biggest advantage is that all of the administration and other assorted aggravating folks are home sleeping. And if you're lucky, you get the hell out of dodge before they show up in the morning.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Nights are not 'easier'. The biggest advantage is that all of the administration and other assorted aggravating folks are home sleeping. And if you're lucky, you get the hell out of dodge before they show up in the morning.

My thoughts exactly! I've also found that on nights, our crew really seems to pull together to get stuff done. I hate even the thought of switching to days.

I vote for giving it a try.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

no nights are not easier because you have less staff but it is easier as far as no big wigs running around, housekeeping, etc getting in your way, you actually have time to ask questions. I like the nights because the phone doesn't hardly ring, it drives me crazy if i work a day. anyway, in answer to your question, give it a try everyone is so short on staff they will probably work with you if youfind out it doesn't work. and you don't need caffiene or coffee, lots of water keeps you awake. (makes ya have to peeeee lol) good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU, PACU, OR.

I would NEVER work days on the unit that I work on. I hate administration being there and nocs are generally a more controlled chaos. Plus, I would definately miss the noc shift diff :)

The most important part about working night shift is making your sleep a priority. It took me about 9 months to get used to it and there were some rough times.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMCU/Telemetry.

I have worked nights for years and love it. I am also a day person, but have learned how to sleep. The other posters are right about that, if you dont sleep right, you'll go nuts.

The way to do it is when you get home, don't go to bed right away. Make yourself a wind down routine ie: read a book or some tv. Go to bed, sleep, and get up early. Get ready for work, eat and whatever else you have to do. Then go back to bed for a 1-2 hr nap. I find this is telling the body your working tonight. On your off days, get 3-4 hrs of sleep, and stay up. You will then be able to sleep overnight.

This is what I do, and it works for me. Also for some of my friends. It will take a bit of time to get used to, but give yourself a chance. What I do might not be for you, but you will work out a system. Ask the night nurses you work with. Good luck. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMCU/Telemetry.

Also, turn your phone off, or tell your friends not to call you. They often think a night person has a day off, or is waisting a perfectly good day sleeping. They forget that this is now your night. Good luck again ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You said you are not seeing enough of your family now, as it is. When will you see them if you take on a 2nd job? You have to sleep some time and I don't think you realize how exhausting it is to work from 3pm to 7:30 a.m. then have only 7.5 hours to sleep, cook, clean, take care of your house and children and keep appointments and do errands, chores, etc.

If you do it, I guess try night shift and see if you can make it happen. I wish you the best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.
Nights are not 'easier'. The biggest advantage is that all of the administration and other assorted aggravating folks are home sleeping. And if you're lucky, you get the hell out of dodge before they show up in the morning.

I used to say the same thing when I worked nights for 13 years. Then I switched to days and guess what? Administration is still no where to be seen in the trenches I work in. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion