New Grad: Mom doesn't want me to work night shift

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in MICU, Surgical Stepdown, CCU.

Hi! I am a new graduate in a MICU at my hospital. I signed up for nights becuase that was the only time available i could have for ICU, I don't mind though because I'm a night owl and I think it will faciliate my learning better since things maybe slower. My mother is concerned with me working at night though (I'm only 21, but I live at home b/c I'm trying to save for grad school). Right now I'm still on days because I'm still in orientation, but once I'm off I'll be on nights. She was fine with it, but now I think she's coming to the realization that my orientation will be ending soon and she wants me to stay on days. I can't seem to shake this thought from her to try to convince me to go to the day shift. Can anyone give me any advice to make my mom feel more comfortable about going to nights?

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Specializes in Telemetry.

What are her concerns about nights?

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

The truth is, there may not be an option for you.

Day shifts at most facilities are at a premium. Usually given to those with seniority.

Tell your mother that you are an adult, it's your career, and her job as a mother is to support your decision. Nursing is a 24/7 job.

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Unfortunately most new grads have to take night shift positions. Your have three valid reasons. Job availability, slower (better) learning environment, and you are a night owl. Your mom is most likely concerned with your personal safety. You are probably safer at night within the hospital than you would be in the daytime. As for going to and from work, your mom could transport you to make her feel better. I don't think you would like that arrangement though. Make sure your parents know the route you will be taking and have your cell phone with you. A call home to let them know you got there safely might be all you need to solve your problem.

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Specializes in MICU, Surgical Stepdown, CCU.

i think her concern is me being on an opposite schedule as everyone else. It's only me, her, and my dad in a household right now. i have a younger sister who's away at college, so i think the focus is on me right now.

But i figure i'm only working nights 3 days a week, it shouldn't be so bad especially if I do 3 days in a row. I'll be leaving home when the sun is still up and I'll be coming back home when the sun is up (thanks to daylight savings time), so it's not like i'll be walking in the dark from the parking lot.

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Specializes in LTC private/CBRF.

First off, congratulations! :yeah: I think the reasons you gave in your post are good! It's hard for mom's to let go and always want the best for their kids and of course we always worry! But she needs to understand that you have do what is best for you and let you find your wings

Good luck to you both :)

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Specializes in MICU, Surgical Stepdown, CCU.

Babylady - that is correct as well, those with seniority have the option to move to days.

caliotter3 - yea, i couldn't have my mom drive me to work lol, I'd have no way back home after i got off. I do also think i would be much safer at work at night than during the days as well....at least my parents will know that i'm safe. I also already call them to let them kknow when i got there/when i'm coming back home

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Specializes in CTICU.

Why does you mum get a say if you're an adult? It made me get along much better with my mum when I lived with her and worked opposite shifts so we didn't spend too much time together!

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Specializes in ICU.

I think you really need to make your mom understand how lucky you are to enter into ICU with no experience.. and also she needs to understand how much this will be GREAT for your career as a nurse. She also needs to realize that if she wants you to work days that she might be taking away your opportunity to work in ICU.

I think that maybe she doesn't realize what a wonderful opportunity this is for you.. because if she did, and she still didn't want you to work nights, then I would think she is self centered and is not looking out for what's really best for you and your career. I just don't think that's the case though...

So, do like the other posters said and explain to her the pros of doing this.. maybe then she will understand.

And if she really doesn't like it still, move out... You are an adult after all. I've seen many adults put themselves through grad school without living at home with their parents.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

My mom hated when I chose night shift, too. She did not like when I had to sleep before work and she wanted me to do something, and it messed with her holiday plans. For instance, on Christmas, going to church after work, then opening presents, then having a big dinner was out of the question when I had to be back to work that night and HAD to sleep. It inconvenienced her. She also did not like not being able to make a whole lot of noise in the house when I was sleeping. Then I moved out, so it was a moot point. She still hates it, though, b/c she knows I get mad if she calls during my sleep hours.

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Specializes in Acute Care/ LTC.

i think mom needs to let you make your own decisions! Congrats on becoming a nurse and getting a good job! Most of us started out on an off shift as a new grad. i think if you are responsible enough to take peoples lives into your hands, than you can decide what shift you want to work.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Tell your mother that you are an adult, it's your career, and her job as a mother is to support your decision. Nursing is a 24/7 job.

AMEN!!! :yeah:

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