New Nurse & New to Night Shift. Need Advice!

[OBGYN*RN]

Hello All,

I'm a new grad RN on an ortho/med surg unit. As everyone knows nursing jobs for new grads are SO HARD to come by and the only position they had available was a night shift position (which I'm not complaining about I'm just thankful to have a job) nevertheless, I'm nervous about getting use to the schedule, being able to sleep in the day, staying awake etc. I'm also curious about what to expect on the nursing end. A lot of people say night shift is great for a new nurse to get comfortable and is a BIT slower paced (though I know with less resources available at night, it can also be harder). I would love to hear from any night shift nurses to give me a quick overview of your life on night shift, positives about working at night and what I can expect. I'm nervous about it so any help/advice would be appreciated :-)

[gtoko]

Any updates ? I would love to hear how the nightshift is going, I need some words of encouragement. I start 7p-7a next week. THANKS!!

[GoECU]

I love night shifts. I feel like I actually have time to think things through and can give the best patient care that I can!

[Blackheartednurse]

I have an interview for a night shift awsome awsome tips,melatonin and blinds and curtains are really helpful suggestions,thanks a bunch.

[FiduciaRN]

I love the night shift. I always knew that when I graduated I wanted to work at night, even though it is a social killer. I learned a lot on nights, and I am the type of person that does not want management, families, and docs breathing down my neck. Yes my first job on nights was a bit tough bc there was only a hospitalist and two PAs on....God forbid there where two codes @ once bc it was hell on wheels. But, everyone pulled together helped each other and got it done. I switched jobs to go to be an ER nurse, and had to be on orientation on days for 6 wks. Uggggggh. That's was terrible, not bc of the work, bc this er is insanely busy, but bc of the hours. I finally start at night again on Sundayband can't wait. What a joy it will be. I am still a new nurse, only on the job as a whole 15 monthsn but I feel like nights is more of a team player shift. Afterall, there is less staff and if a level 1 comes in you gotta do it together. Nights rule. I do concur though that it is not for everyone. If u feel nights aren't for you, look for days, but either way, love what u do!

[Cjaco90]

That was me exactly...so I switched to home health nursing. Definitely not as rewarding, but i had to put my health first!