Lesser Pay day shifh or higher pay night shift

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Hey all

I am a new grad and need your advice on this one. I have two offers of employment after I pass my NCLEX. Hosp A where I work as a CNA has offered me a 7p-7a new grad position on the tele floor. Well known, prestigious hospital. Pay including shift diff is about $10.00/hr more than what Hosp B. Hosp B is offering the same floor, as mentioned $10.00 less an hr, but giving me the day shift ,plus $300.00 a mth directly towards my student loan repayment, no contracts. Urban hospital, less prestigious that hosp A.

The money at hosp A where I work looks good for the nite shift, but I know personally that I cannot survive the night shift. After 1am, I can't think straight. and physically,just staying up extra late takes a toll on my body. A couple of friends suggested that my body will get used to the nights. and I should go for the money. But I just donot feel safe doing the night shift. People's lives are in my hands and I don't want to be driving home in the morning and suddenly thinking, did I give ???????

So to what do you think I should go? Your advice is kindly requested.

tks

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I think u should go with ur gut. It is really not about the money in Nursing .... It is about compassion and making a difference in peoples lives.

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If you know you can't think after 1am then go for days!!! This is coming from a night shifter. I've seen people like you try to struggle for the extra money on nights and it's never worth it. People whose bodies can't adapt to night shift are scary and always eventually wind up giving up and going to days (after a lot of stress which takes a real toll on them). Save yourself the struggle and the stress, go to a shift you can work safely.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

If you know that you will not be able to do nights, take the day shift. Once off orientation, you may be able to work per diem elsewhere to make up the extra money.

I tried nights for 7 months; and, although I could handle the actually shift, I had no life because I had to keep the night schedule on my days off (never had more than 2 days off in a row). My husband and I would continually be passing each other with hellos & goodbyes; and, on his days off, he would have to be quiet during the day so I could get sleep. Needless to say, when I was home during the night, I would have to keep quiet for him and really had no place I could go at 2 AM to run errands. Night work puts you in a whole different world. Is it worth the extra money for you?

I now have a new job that compromises between the day & night shift-1130A to 12P. I bit extra pay for an evening differential, with the ability to see daylight on my days off. This might work out for you, if your facility has this shift available. Otherwise, take the day position and remember that the day shift is a rarity for new grads and is considered a prime shift for nurses. Many nurses have to wait years before a day position will open up. You really are fortunate to have this shift as a choice.

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do you have a preference for day shift?

if you know that you can't survive the night shift ...?

how many night shifts have you tried?

although the other job is offering you day shift, is there any likelihood that they'll change that once you start? Would you have to do some nights there anyway in future?

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I couldn't stand night shift. My family couldn't stand me when I worked night shift. If you're not a night person, go for the days. The money's not worth it. Your body will thank you and so will your patients!

Good Luck!

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I am personally not a night shifter...I can muddle my way through a few if I pick up extra, but it doesn't work for me long term. This is a decision you have to make for yourself. I work evening 8s (3-1130p), and because of the diff, I can work 4 eves a week and make about the same $$ as if I worked 5 days. For me, that's worth it. I do miss out on a lot of things socially by working eves, but having that extra day a week off helps tremendously...I'm still able to see/talk to friends and family that way, and I can pick up extra shifts if I want extra money. You need to find what's right for you, and like someone else said, trust your gut!

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With the exception of maybe 6 to 9 months (total), I've always worked night shift. I was doing pretty well on it up to a few years ago. I still prefer it, but I think I've finally hit the wall. It has taken a tremendous toll on me physically over the last 3+ years, and my doc is hounding me to get off before things get any worse. My problem is, after 24 years of this abuse, I am unable to sleep well enough at night in order to work days. I tried it; I wasn't able to get to sleep until 2 or 3 am, only to have to be up by 5. So while I don't get good sleep working nights, I wasn't getting ANY sleep working days.

I guess I'm screwed lol.

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Yeah...I'd say go with your gut, too. I have worked night shift for 3 years, I love it! I'll probably never go back to days! But, some people aren't meant for that. I've been a night-owl ever since I was a really little kid, so working nights have always been easy for me.

But, if you have a family or spouse, it is hard on them, especially if you are working full time.

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Most nurses first year of nursing is about survival. There is a lot to learn and enough stress just being new. Be good to yourself and take the day shift. If you cannot function well at night avoid it your first year.

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Specializes in onc, M/S, hospice, nursing informatics.
I now have a new job that compromises between the day & night shift-1130A to 12P.

You only work 1/2 hour? LOL:lol2:

Back to the question... I am a total morning person, have always been. However, I found it much easier to work night shift to learn to be a nurse. Much less chaos, more time to really look through charts, learn from other nurses, etc. Your body does adapt if you can get the sleep you need. Just my :twocents:

Plus, coffee helps! :smilecoffeeIlovecof

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work what is best for you but do some checking beyond the matter of shift..some of those urban hospitals are nightmares..talk with some of the nurses on the floor, find out how long, how comprehensive the your training will be

if need be check out a third facility

you spend a lot of your life at work, make the most of it

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