New grad-nights vs. days

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 15, 2014

Hello all,
Last semester nursing student here and as I normally do- I'm thinking ahead....was wondering about what people think as far as new grads starting on med-surg unit on day shift: 1. Is it really difficult to find a facility that will hire a new grad onto a day shift? Keep in mind, I already have my foot in the door at a large medical center and will def be looking for employment at the current employer upon graduation, but most people i speak to say to start on nights (easier to manage and "practice"). My problem with that is, i've worked nights as a monitor tech for 4 years,
And finally moved to day shift position about 5 months ago- I loathed working nights mainly because I never felt My body/brain could adjust to it, I simply do not function my best on that shift and I think it could certainly pose a problem if I were to start on that shift.At the same time, I do see and know how hectic and busy day shift is, but I'd rather have my body/brain up for the work then lagging on night shift. Any feedback/thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

You're probably going to wind up on night shift or rotating. Most places assign day shift jobs either on the basis of seniority or by a waiting list. Do some research about the best way to survive and thrive on night shift -- there are plenty of threads on here about that topic!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 15, 2014

It is not unheard of for a new grad to land a day shift...it's usually a matter of being the right nurse in the right place at the right time. My own new grad (the one I precepted) was hired into straight days, whereas I started on days/evenings as a new grad. Ironically, she ended up rotating to nights by her choice.

However, she is the uncommon exception to the rule. Many facilities have long waiting lists for straight day shifts, and they're not going to risk ticking off the employees paitently waiting for that spot by giving such a plum to a new grad. So you can definitely try to snag a day shift job, but be prepared for the reality of starting off elsewhere.

SubSippi · Feb 15, 2014

Where I work, people are trying to get on nights instead of days…they're always more short staffed for days. I guess it depends on where you work. But it seems that turnover rates are so high with nursing, that you could start working days within a year or so. You might find that you're less tired working nights as a nurse than as a monitor tech…it's rare that I have a chance to even think about being tired before 3 am.

I love the shift, I'd stay on nights forever if it didn't make the rest of my life so difficult!

BBRANRN2013, ASN, RN · Feb 16, 2014

I graduated in August and got hired on straight days and I love it! I find that I could lots of experience with everything during the day but that's my opinion.

Wrench Party · Feb 16, 2014

I work a mix between days and evenings. Most new grads I met on the floors are on days for orientation, then go to either straight days or nights,

depending on the unit.

It's not the nights or days that will kill you, it's rotating between the two.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 16, 2014

I graduated in August and got hired on straight days and I love it! I find that I could lots of experience with everything during the day but that's my opinion.

You're the exception that proves the rule! There aren't many straight day slots available for new grads in the hospital. You've been very lucky!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 16, 2014

I work a mix between days and evenings. Most new grads I met on the floors are on days for orientation, then go to either straight days or nights,
depending on the unit.
It's not the nights or days that will kill you, it's rotating between the two.

There are ways to make rotating easier on you. Personally, I think rotating is a nice balance between too many visitors, too much management, road trips, ancillary services and teaching rounds that all go on on the day shift and the much quieter night shift where you have to flip flop your life around and put your relationships on hold to do the shift.

danceyrun · Feb 16, 2014

There are ways to make rotating easier on you. Personally I think rotating is a nice balance between too many visitors, too much management, road trips, ancillary services and teaching rounds that all go on on the day shift and the much quieter night shift where you have to flip flop your life around and put your relationships on hold to do the shift.[/quote']
Ruby what are your suggestions for making rotating easier for a new grad? Thanks!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 16, 2014

Ruby what are your suggestions for making rotating easier for a new grad? Thanks!

That's an assignment! I'll think on it and start a new thread.

SubSippi · Feb 16, 2014

There are ways to make rotating easier on you. Personally I think rotating is a nice balance between too many visitors, too much management, road trips, ancillary services and teaching rounds that all go on on the day shift and the much quieter night shift where you have to flip flop your life around and put your relationships on hold to do the shift.[/quote']
I have the option to rotate, and I think I would like to, mostly so I feel like less of a vampire, and also I think the limited amount of sunlight I see causes me to have mood swings.
But it's been so long since I've worked a day shift, I feel like there will be too much I've forgotten about. I'd also like to work some days so I get a better idea of the ins-and-outs of how the hospital really works.

danceyrun · Feb 16, 2014

That's an assignment! I'll think on it and start a new thread.

Awesome!! Will be looking forward to it.