Making the switch

[Nurse_Lily, RN]

I currently work part-time for a level I trauma center in the neuro ICU night shift. I just recently accepted a day shift job at another facility, which is a stroke center, but mostly a medical ICU, per diem days.

Just wondering if anyone has recently made the switch from nights to days as a critical care nurses. Any advice or suggestions on making this a smooth transition? I'm freaking out over here just thinking about switching facilities as well as the shift change. Obviously, super excited for the changes as well. :) TIA!

[gromit1084]

Hey Turtle_RN,

congrats on the new position! I've been a travel ICU nurse for a few years and I've worked both shifts all in new locations each time.

Day shift in the ICU can be very busy. I know nights can be busy too, but its a different kind of busy in days. Day shift deals a lot with different specialties, and patient activities (like early mobility, nutrition, procedures, etc). Again, its nothing you can't deal with because thousands of nurses do it every day. Its just a matter of adjusting and getting used to the new work :)

By biggest piece of advice is to allow yourself a period of adjustment. It might be frustrating for a few weeks, maybe overwhelming, but eventually you'll get in the swing of things. Don't expect to feel comfortable or in your usual groove for the first little while. But if you can get through the initial couple of weeks, I am sure you will find your footing! its totally doable!!

Good luck!!

you can PM me if you want :)

[Nurse_Lily, RN]

Hey Gromit!

Thank you for the insight. I'm pretty much preparing to feel like a new grad all over again. Appreciate the reply :)

[tlwbombera]

Don't forget to feed your patients! Lol this was one of my issues switching to dayshift (we do not have a tech in our ICU). The trays aren't delivered to the rooms and if I was working on the other side of the unit and didn't notice it, I would always miss the cart lol.