new nurse going to night shift

[megster]

I just started working on the Med/Surg floor on the 5th. I've been orienting during day shift and of course, I feel lost....like I never went to school. It's very overwhelming to me during the day and my hospital is very small. I'm switching to night shift Monday night. I was wondering if it's slower, less stressful? Do you usually stay busy? I'm sure my sleep cycle will be pretty messed up for awhile. Pros/Cons? Thanks.

[gdeanrn]

I like to say, "why would I work harder, get yelled at by more MD's and get paid less to do it?" Pretty much sums up day shift. Actually, coming out of school, I've learned far more on nights. I have time to actually read and interpret labs, read H&P's, check through orders and progress notes AND talk to the patients. I always seem to have one chatty on a night and can spend some precious time visiting and wow, can you ever learn by listening to a patient.

It's true, you either love it or hate it, but I honestly believe the people get along better and bond closer. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[TalldiNY]

NEVER assume someone else has done the work. Better to go ask that person if it is done or going to be done. You need to be independent if you are on nights. There is team work at least where I worked over the years. But it is not a shift where you can depend on others to do the work. The biggest advantage of the shift is the lack of "suits" around. It could be you just had/have a person who is lazy and/or trying to push work on you. On the night shift the ultimate authority is the shift supervisor. If talking to this other RN doesn't work go to the supervisor and then your unit manager.