I have heard a lot of conflicting things from nurses and non-nurses regarding new graduate RNs and choices of shifts. The nurses tell me they had no trouble getting day shifts as a new grad. The non-nurses tell me most new grads end up on rotten graveyard shifts and night shifts and that you have no choice of day or night when you are new.
I have only talked to two nurses about this. One is a recent new grad and the other is a 23 yr. veteran. The new grad used to work as an occupational therapy assistant, so perhaps that is why she got day shift (people knew her)?
Can anyone else share their knowledge with me? I would like to go to nursing school to get my RN and I am doing research to see if it would fit in with my family life, as I have a 3 year old. Any suggestions/comments/responses would be greatly appreciated!
I chose to pick the 11-7 shift because it is less demanding for a newer Nurse. Plus, I would learn a ton of information and it would better prepare for the more stressful/demanding dayshift position if I ever chose to go that route in the future.
I did not read all of the posts so I hope I am not just repeating, but I just worked with a new nurse that lives about a 30 min drive away and decided to take a job (even with a commute) in a larger town because the smaller town she lives in would only offer her nights. She wanted days and got on right away. For her the commute was worth it.
On another note, i like the swing shift, you can sleep in and go out after work if you want and still have a social life. But it is def. not for everyone. I like 8hr shifts and hope to work them some day in the future.
Hmmm. Never thought about it like that. I am a student and a night owl as well who will welcome the "rotten shift," but I do want to be in a position to learn as much as possible, and I do like to stay busy. Any suggestions? I do so want to make the right choice!
Well, actually, I found working the night shift when I was a new grad to be better than days. No you don't have the interaction with docs but you also don't have all of the other ancillary people around wanting your chart, your flow sheet, your computer, social services about the family, the dieticitan about your tube feed, the MD's who want to chat..... I learned so much on night shift. Although nights is just as busy as days, it is a different kind of busy. On nights, I would actually get to spend QUALITY time with my patients. On days, I don't always feel that I get to give that "extra" to a patient or family member. My patients are always well taken care of, just not always EXACTLY the way I would like them to be. And as an OCD ICU nurse that really bothers me. On nights as a new grad, I was always given very sick patients, because usually we had a free charge nurse and I worked with a group of experienced nurses who were very tolerant and constructive with me. What I learned on nights is invaluable to me. Personally, I loved the shift, but DH works nights, so no childcare for the kiddos.
On days, I have learned to argue with radiology (Why can't I bring my unstable, vented, swanned pt for a carotid downstairs) and to put up with MD's sh... Oh yeah, and I get to have vistors THREE times a day. Yay.
When I was a new grad, many moons ago, I had a choice of days or nights, whichever I wanted. I think it probably varies with location and facility.
I chose nights, I guess I'm a sucker for the "rotten shifts." I'm also a sucker for the nice 29% differential. :) Although, I'd work nights even without it, but it sure makes for a puuuuurty check.
29% differential!!! I'm getting screwed with my 15%! YUK! I'm jealous!
Specializes in SICU, EMS, Home Health, School Nursing.
I am a new grad and when I was hired I got my choice of either 3p-3a or 7a-7p. I decided to go with the 3p-3a since I get night pay for that whole time and I am a night owl, getting up and being to work by 7 is definitely not for me.
Specializes in ICU, ER, Surgery, Med-Surg, Pediatrics.
If you are willing to go to Med Surg then there or more open positions in all shifts. There are many options. If you like nursing make the jump. It will all fall into place
I'm getting screwed with my 15%! YUK! I'm jealous!
JenNJFLCA
447 Posts
I'm a new nurse and I got day shift right off the bat. I think it just depends on the demand.