Is taking a night shift NICU job worth it

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Hi,

There is an opening at my hospital for the NICU, and I have always wanted to work in that specialty, but it's nights.  I have tried night nursing the past and it was terrible, but I realize if I ever want to break into this specialty I will likely have to start on nights.  Is it worth it to do the time on night shift, even if it will be pure torture for me? 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

How long do nurses typically stay on night shift before going to days?

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This is one of those tough calls where it'd be easier to make the decision if you knew the time frame you were committing to (like if a day shift nurse was planning to retire in a couple months). Obviously that's unlikely, and it's such a gamble taking it without knowing.  But one point to consider is that it'd not only get your foot in the door in this department, but also would get experience in this specialty which would transfer elsewhere.  In the event a day spot doesn't come open soon at your facility but is available at another one, having experience in that specialty will give you a leg up.   But only you can decide whether you can tolerate nights for a while.  

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Night advantage is  you get to learn the unit when things are slower. You can have more focused time with pts. Once you are on the unit, it is easier to get the next day shift opening.  Can you get consecutive nights? This helped me survive night shift. 

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Transitioning into a specialty like NICU is exciting, but night shifts can certainly take a toll if they've been difficult for you in the past.
If you decide to move forward, Could you approach it as a short-term season and make sure to create a clear plan for rest, nutrition, and recovery? Making sure you have the tools in place, will help to improve night shift being "pure torture". I have also found it helpful to make a list of the pros and cons of the decision.

It also might help to talk with someone currently working in that NICU to understand the realities of the night schedule and whether any flexibility exists.

Hope this was helpful!

-Heather

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