Must we "pay our dues" by working night shift?

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Is that the general consensus amongst hospital RNs? I for one had a terrible time with night shift... actually I seemed to adjust alright, outwardly. Inwardly, my endocrine system went haywire and I ended up in the hospital with an exacerbation of a previously well managed health condition, and out from work SICK for an entire month.

Due to the health problems, I had to quit that job only 5 months into it. After searching month after month, the only other day shift hospital position I could get was on a HORRIBLE ortho/medsurg unit 70 miles away from my home.

Despite the heavy work load, extreme favoritism, crazy boss, and absence of teamwork, I appreciated the opportunity and tried to make it work for me. The employer itself was a pretty good one I think, but with the commute and the other issues, I only made it for 6 months--- and quit.

Every other hospital job I've been seeing is for night shift.... If I see another day shift advertised will that be a red flag that the unit is very bad?

I was willing to work nights, but I really can't risk getting sick by going on nights again. Should I just stay away from hospitals from here on out?

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Specializes in General Internal Medicine, ICU.

Generally speaking, day shifts are seen as more desirable than night shifts, and positions that are only day shifts will go to the person with the most seniority/experience. That usually leaves positions with rotating shifts and straight night shifts as less desirable...and thus, they are what is offered, as those lines still needs to be filled.

I do not think that it is necessarily a warning sign if you see another day shift position advertised; just keep in mind that toxic work place will be toxic, no matter the shift you am work.

If you absolutely can't do nights, try to apply to clinics and doctor's offices as they do not open 24 hours. Or try to look for a position with days or evening shifts only, if you want to be in the hospital.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Yes, that is the general consensus. HOWEVER, a documented medical condition that is a contraindication to working nights may give you preference for a day shift position. Is there a reason why you didn't try to work that out with Occ Health, HR and your manager at your first job?

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I had to work rotation shifts for years when I worked critical care as a new nurse. There were only few "day shift only" positions around and those were mainly areas like endoscopy and charge nurse - everybody else was doing rotations.

If you can't work nights , perhaps straight evening would work for you, I did that for a while until my kids were old enough to complain ...It was great in terms of commuting (less traffic), onsite parking and shift differentials.

Other than that as above mentioned : doctor's offices, clinics, home care (stressful).

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Yes, that is the general consensus. HOWEVER, a documented medical condition that is a contraindication to working nights may give you preference for a day shift position. Is there a reason why you didn't try to work that out with Occ Health, HR and your manager at your first job?

Well, did try to work it out. I submitted paperwork from my endocrinologist, hospitalization, etc to HR per their request so that I could return to work--- they did put me on a day shift position that just happened to come up ~~~ I was a newer grad at the time, it was my first hospital job, and I had been off sick for an entire month prior--- they put me on full-force, no additional day shift orientation, and I didn't feel like I was doing well. There was a lengthy commute involved with that job too. At the time, I just felt like the whole thing wasn't good for me. I never had it in mind to quit that hospital or night shift until I got so sick. It really shook me. Caused me problems with my finances and marriage. My resume might look terrible. I don't know, except to say that I had a pretty rough 2015.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

I really don't think it is paying your dues, it is just what happens to be open as those more desirable shifts go to more senior people. Count yourself lucky they tried to accommodate you.

And I don't think any job gives you more orientation moving from one shift to another, it is a way different pace with rounds, orders, etc, but it is fundamentally the same job.

Try Outpatient jobs or office

jobs, that might be your best bet. A lot of places are going to 50% rotation with some straight shifts, I hated rotating!

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OP,

I fear you will be a red flag to any prospective employer - applying for a third job one year into your nursing career will turn many potential employers off, regardless of how good of a nurse you may actually be.

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OP,

I fear you will be a red flag to any prospective employer - applying for a third job one year into your nursing career will turn many potential employers off, regardless of how good of a nurse you may actually be.

I know, and I don't know what I should do about it. I also know there are others like me out there.... I'm not the only one

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I know, and I don't know what I should do about it. I also know there are others like me out there.... I'm not the only one

Perhaps it would be best for you to apply for clinic or doctor's office jobs. Those jobs are generally less stressful and less physically demanding, but that is usually reflected in the compensation.

Beware of hospital postings for a lot of dayshift positions. Dayshift positions are coveted everywhere and are usually filled internally. If not, that is often times a red flag that the unit may be subpar. Just my two cents...

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I find it really surprising that people say new grads have to work nights. Where I work new grads can usually get day/ night lines or straight days.

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Perhaps it would be best for you to apply for clinic or doctor's office jobs. Those jobs are generally less stressful and less physically demanding, but that is usually reflected in the compensation.

Beware of hospital postings for a lot of dayshift positions. Dayshift positions are coveted everywhere and are usually filled internally. If not, that is often times a red flag that the unit may be subpar. Just my two cents...

I wish I could go with the glitz/glam/excitement of a hospital--- I might not be cut out for the physical or emotional stress of that right now, or ever. I sincerely thought I could do it and I haven't met anyone else who tried, quickly decided it wasn't for them, and moved on. Most people I know seemed to know what they wanted (or could handle) in school.

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I find it really surprising that people say new grads have to work nights. Where I work new grads can usually get day/ night lines or straight days.

Which state do you live in?

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