license 12-15 interview 12-17

[myopportunity]

Okay all, I am a new nurse (24 hours with license!) and already interviewing tomorrow morning! I am 5 minutes from the hospital, worked plenty of clinical hours at this facility so familiar with staff and protocol, the job is on a med-surg wing, shifts: 3-11, 11-7, or 7a-7p. I initially showed interest in the 12 hour shift but second guessing the decision now??? Note; I am divorced and no small children at home...just a yorkie.

My previous job (many years before company moved to China) was only first shift, 8 hours however I worked 10-14 hours often. I am so geared from those hours and nursing school 8a, clinicals 6a...I am concerned I might not adjust and could be found leaning against a wall somewhere!!!

Could someone share their thoughts on the 12 hour night shift, please? I am excited about the interview but do not want to be a disapointment to the facility and or myself with a poor performance.

I guess what I need to know...is it possible to stay busy and energetic?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I prefer 12-hour shifts because I'd much rather have the 4 days off per week. You'll obviously have only the 2 days off per week if you opt to work 8 hour shifts.

I loved working 12-hour night shifts (6:30pm to 7am). They were the perfect pace for me due to having virtually no interruptions from doctors, visitors, family members, therapists, managers, and others. I could simply focus on my job without having to appease these other people.

[myopportunity]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, that is exactly what I was thinking...4 days off! I have heard other nurses say they prefer nights for those same reasons. I will interview in a couple of hours...will keep your logic in mind.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, that is exactly what I was thinking...4 days off! I have heard other nurses say they prefer nights for those same reasons. I will interview in a couple of hours...will keep your logic in mind.

Good luck! I hope you bring us back some good news!

[kat7ap]

I work 3 12 hour night shifts (8p-8a) a week and will soon start on a job working 13 hour nights shifts (8p-9a) 3-4 days a week. I worked 8 hour evenings (2-10 or 3-11) for a few years and so far I prefer working the 12 hour nights. It is so much nicer to have 4 days off - you go to work less and save gas in commuting. Another bonus is that you deal much less with family members, visitors, and administrator types and you can focus more on pts. I am not an early morning person, in fact I HATE getting "artificially" woken up and dealing with rush hour traffic drives me nuts. I haven't had any issues with sleeping and staying awake. I usually get just about 5 hours of sleep between shifts and then on days off I can go right back into the normal sleeping pattern with out issues. So if I were you, I would select 12 hour shifts. Good Luck!