New Nurse Advice?

Ruby Vee, BSN · Mar 1, 2017

Hello! I'm looking for advice. I've been a nurse for 5 months total! I received 2 days training as a brand new RN at a LTC facility. I'm currently working 2ND shift, but I hate only having one another nurse in the building with me. If something happens, I'm afraid I'm going to mess up. A first shift job was just posted and I would feel so much better if I took it. During the day....there is a lot more staff! I'm just more concerned with patient safety and being a safe new nurse. Switching to first shift, I will be working in assisted living and memory support. Instead of Healthcare. I don't want to make my current co workers mad, but I need to do what's best for me. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

Day shift positions are allocated by seniority, by waiting list or perhaps by re-applying for a day shift position. You can ASK to go to day shift, but chances are someone who is senior or has been on the waiting list longer will get it. You can justify it by saying it's for patient safety, being a safe new nurse or saying it's best for you. But lots of people want day shift and have to wait their turn. This is as good a time as any to find out how day shift positions are assigned and to get on the list if possible. I suspect, since you say you'd be working in assisted living and memory support instead of Health Care, what you would be applying for is a job transfer rather than a different shift in your current job. Five months may be too soon to transfer.