Making the move to the day shift..advice?

[JessiekRN]

Hi Everyone!! Was wondering if anyone who's been in the same position as me would have any useful advice. I've been on the night shift (7p-8a) for a little over 2 years now (since Sept '08)..this was my first job as a nurse. I'm on a heavy orthopedic/medical/neuro floor that is busy most shifts, even at night. Openings have come up on the day shift a few times since I started, but I always turned it down- although I never intended to do nights in the first place, I have a great group of co workers, we are close like family, and besides for the usual bs that comes along with nursing in general, Ive been pretty comfortable and happy. For some reason though, lately, the night shift has been taking a toll, more than usual. I'm not sleeping well, getting irritable, and feeling stressed. On top of that, I'm getting married in June and my finace would like nothing more for me than to be on a "normal" schedule, for myself and for our relationship. A day position opened again recently, and it seemed to be good timing for a needed change. So I asked my manager to do a "trial" on the day shift for a month, on the premise that if I am unhappy, I can go back to my night shift position. She (hesitantly) has agreed. I'm feeling a lot of anxiety about the transition- although I keep reminding myself it's not a "new" job, I'm nervous about the changes (different pace, more management, families, etc) and very, very sad to let go of the things I love about my night shift. But I think I have to do it..I know night shift and the way I sleep isn't the healthiest for me, and I do need a change. So I was wondering if anyone's been in the same spot as me and if there's any advice anyone can offer to help ease the transition. If all goes through, I would start Dec. 26th.. Thanks so much for listening.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

The first thing I'd be wondering is: can I afford it? Won't it be less money, or does that not matter? U can only try the transition & see how u go. What about doing days & afternoon shift?

[MERCEDES674, MSN, RN]

I worked all of the shifts. I can honestly say while I enjoy sleeping when the rest of the world is sleeping, nights are much better to deal with on busy floors. I think you will enjoy meeting everyone on day shift and seeing how things work. Day shift is good because there is usually a charge nurse with only a few patients if any and she can always help out and day shift generally gets less patients atleast they did on the floors where I worked.

[JessiekRN]

Thank you both so much for your replies. Money is definitely a concern, as I would be losing the $3/ hour shift differential that comes with night shift. Doesn't sound like a lot of money in those terms but when I think of losing $5K a year, my stomach definitely turns. But, I am willing to pay the price (literally) in exchange for (hopefully) improved mental and physical well being. We have no afternoon shifts; on my floor it is either nights or days 12 hours. I am concerned about being "busier".. as it is now, on night shift, I almost always leave 45 min to an hour late because I am still catching up on charting after giving report. I'm excited to learn new things that I don't have the chance to see or do at night. But not happy about the money, losing my night shift crew, having what I think will be less chance to really interact with my patients themselves, dealing with the politics of management and disgruntled, needy family members.. like I said above I think I have to stop overthinking it, and just take the plunge, so any words of encouragement or wisdom are greatly appreciated.

[jax22]

I worked nights for a year and just moved to the day shift 2 months ago. The first month I was always exhausted, I felt like a new nurse all over again and I felt like I just couldn't keep up. If you feel that way, don't let that discourage you, now I'm completely adjusted, I'm learning so much more and it's been WONDERFUL to be on a normal schedule. I used to get so depressed leaving for work when the rest of the world was coming home for the night. Now I go to work with the rest of the world (or a bit earlier) and come home with them (or a bit later!). But it's great, more challenging for sure, but I love it! I hope you will too. Just give yourself time to adjust and don't get frustrated with yourself. It is overwhelming, but you'll get the hang of it! Good luck!

[blamejoe]

After over 6 years on night shift at my hospital, the past 28 months as an RN, I finally switched to days 1 month ago (Nov. 2). We also have only 12hr days or 12hr nights, no middles. And I had the same concerns. In addition, a few months before I switched, several of our day RNs were hospitalized for cardiac reasons. I was only half-joking when I would say that this was because of the stress of daytime.

My fears were that I couldn't handle the pace. Or that I would be overwhelmed by being pulled in too many directions at once. Or that I would commit a bunch of med errors, neglect to fill out an invasive procedure form correctly, or otherwise get dinged.

So far, none of those things were realized. I know it's early, but over the past few years at night, I learned how to prioritize by myself. I learned how to delegate, which tasks can be delayed and which must be completed promptly. I also learned when too much was too much, and how to speak up about that, because as was mentioned, days usually has extra help, but on nights, we're all we had.

I met the other department staff, got on more interpersonal terms with physicians, dieticians, supervisors, etc. And apparently they'd heard about me, because their support was helpful. I never tried to be the superhero, and I admitted out loud that while I was a great night nurse, I needed to adjust to daytime and I sought (and received) help when I was getting overwhelmed. I expect that to continue until I feel I am adjusted.

Good luck with your transition. It is an adjustment, so as long as you give that need a healthy dose of respect and a decent amount of time, I believe you'll do well.

[Noimanurse]

Jump on it. If the sleep schedule is not working out for you on nights, then what good is the rest of your life? I recently had the opportunity to switch to day shift, I now enjoy waking up with my wife and kids, actually feeling and enjoying doing things on my days off rather than forcing myself to do things on my days off like I had to on the night shift. Yeah, it will be an adjustment at work and while I enjoy my job, my personal life is much more important to me and so far my personal life is much more comfortable, enjoyable, and less stressfull on day shift, its like adding an extra day off each week by being on day shift, its priceless. Yes, the pay might be a bit less, but my life is better now that I'm on days. Is it worth 5K a year to always feel stressed, unrested, on edge, tired? How tough is it going to be to plan your wedding if you are already stressed, etc. from work? To me its also much easier to pick up a few extra hours here and there when I'm fully rested and enjoy life which could easily compensate for a bit less per hour, remember, working days you already kind of get an extra day off during the week...just my recent experience in a nutshell. Also as a new nurse (which I am) I feel it was good for me to switch up the "crew" I work with for different experiences.

[JessiekRN]

Thank you all so much for your responses so far..it's been really encouraging to read and I feel a weight lifting knowing it wont be that terrible, at least after I adjust. I know my advantage here is that while it will be a new and different experience, I won't be on completely unfamiliar territory , as I would be in a completely new job. So thank you so much again!!!!

[Mrs.Rollins, ASN, RN]

I'm one of those people who absolutely love working nights. Love, love, love being a creature of darkness! I've been orienting to my new facility on days and it's been rough (I'm not cut out to be a daywalker). But it's definitely reminded me that there are always two sides of the coin, and each shift has its benefits and drawbacks.

When I first went to nights my boyfriend was very much against it. However, with time, he's come to not mind it at all. At the end of the day (or night!), however, family and personal happiness simply have to come first. If he was genuinely still upset about me being on nights, or I was miserable doing it, I would go back to days. Money is just money, but your family and your personal well-being are priceless. Best of luck to you, and I'm sure you'll transition well.

[klarity, BSN]

Hi! Im a new grad that was hired for ER nightshift. At what point can I request dayshift? Given the lack of jobs for a new grad, im grateful to have landed a job, even though its night shift. Id just like some feedback at what point (how many months/years etc.) am i considered to have some seniority and able to request a transition to day shift?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Hi! Im a new grad that was hired for ER nightshift. At what point can I request dayshift? Given the lack of jobs for a new grad im grateful to have landed a job, even though its night shift. Id just like some feedback at what point (how many months/years etc.) am i considered to have some seniority and able to request a transition to day shift?[/quote']

This depends on how your facility determines when you can switch shifts but I am sure some element of senority plays a role. Honestly right now to be on nights as even in the ER they are quieter than days and easier for you to learn on.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I worked nights for four years and then pretty much had to switch when I got pregnant because my body couldn't handle it. I was nervous to switch and didn't think I could handle it on a busy complex med-surg/cardiac floor. However I found I loved it. More resources, daylight hours, I got to see my husband more, and overall I enjoyed being able to tweak and fix problems throughout the day that often had to be put on the back burner at night (Social services consults, adjustments to med, etc). If I ever go back to bedside I will definitely look for a dayshift position even though I loved nights.