Night Shift Advice

[MeTheRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I need a little advice. I am a new graduate nurse working in the ICU. I just got off orientation a few weeks ago and have realized, to my utter amazement, that I'm pretty competent and not going to get anyone killed. I've also realized that my unit won't give me inappropriate assignments if they can help it, so a lot of my anxiety has been relieved.

I was orientated on days, but my real idea is to work nights. I've wanted to work nights ever since nursing school! I naturally lead a nocturnal lifestyle, and I usually stay up until 4-5AM on the nights I don't work during the day. I think that it would be a good fit for me. I have a few problems I need some advice on.

#1. There is more support during the day. We have a unit educator and a whole bunch of managing critical care teams of residents that are always on the floor. If there's an emergency, it's pretty easy to get a room filled with doctors in short notice. There's also more management around. Not to mention I've formed bonds with most of the day-shift nurses and can rely on most of them.

#2. My unit currently has a shortage on days. One of the night nurses recently went to work somewhere else and didn't like it. She asked to be put back on our unit and they made an arrangement with her that she'd have to work days until the staffing issues are resolved, then they'd put her back on nights. Therefore I'm not sure if they'd even consider hiring me for nights. I'm really nervous to talk to anyone about it because I don't want to appear ungrateful or seem like a deserter.

And lastly, I hear that night shift nurses don't help each other out as much. I'm sure this isn't the case everywhere, but I remember giving report to one nurse and helping her reposition the patient only to realize she'd already done most of it herself. She told me "when you work nights, you learn to do things on your own." Is that true?

I guess those are all my questions. Any advice as to how or when I should explore the option of going to nights would be greatly appreciated.

[Super_RN, BSN, RN]

I will say that night shifters seem to be more self-sufficient, but that is out of necessity, not out of wanting it, know what I mean?

I work both shifts, but have found over the years that night shifters tend to be closer. It's a whole different "thing" on nights...you have to get along, trust each other, help each other...because it's a skeleton staff and what you have is what you get.

I'm not knocking day shift at all--it's just a different bond on nights :)

[CeceRN]

I would say as a new grad, it would be best for you to work days because of the support. Try to become more of a day person. It might take a little getting used to, but it's doable. And eventually when you get a little more comfortable in your role and become more self sufficient, you can switch over to nights. Nights will ALWAYS be there. Day shifts are sometimes a little hard to come by. So enjoy it and take advantage of it. :)

[coolpeach]

I am a new nurse Dec 2010, and I started nights a couple of months ago. I love it!!! I think the night shift is closer, and there is more support on nights. On day shift the managers, educators, and powers that be are everywhere. It was busier, and everyone was trying to cover there own butt.

At night all of the powers that be are gone, everyone works together to get things done, the atmosphere is more relaxed, less stressful, and there is less to do overall. I have considered that day shift might be something I would like personally so I could have the same hours as my family, but I would never go back because the work environment is just so much better on nights.

[steelydanfan]

If you know that the night charge is deemed to be "fabulous, great, or really supportive" I say go for it.

If not, start out on days.

As a new nurse, you have NO idea of the situations that can arise; and a less than supportive charge nurse coupled with the limited resources on night shift could make your life HELL!

My vote is for days for 6 months at a minimum. This doesn't mean much, as most hospitals will want to put you on the track to nights after 2 months in ICU.

[shellsgogreen]

I vote for both.

I think days is maybe more ideal for a new nurse, considering you actually see and get to know all the support teams and attendings, and can be a part of rounds. I started on days, although now I work nights and I do love it - I feel as though I can spend more time figuring out what is really going on with the patient without interruptions, and I am able to get to my charts without having to search the unit for them.

[daimere]

This is just for what I know what my mother has said. She's worked nights for 20 years and a lot of times you do have to do things by yourself. If you was hired for day shift, I'd stick it out on dayshift 6 months and then see if you can transfer.

[SLRiley]

I am a cardiac ICU/CCU flex RN at a level I trauma hospital. Our unit is in a separate bldg from the main hospital & houses strictly open heart, cardiac & vascular services incl cath labs, OR, etc. I have been a nurse for 5 yrs & have only worked nights in this unit. The night staff here works as a team, we always have each others back & try very hard to cultivate an atmosphere of learning by offering new hires to our unit help or advice on anything they might need. After working in this atmosphere, I would never work a day shift unless it was absolutely necessary! I encourage all seasoned nurses to step up to this challenge of helping to make new grads welcome & assisting them in becoming the best nurses they can be.

[backinwonderland]

I oriented on days, then switched to permanent nights about one month off of orientation and have been on nights ever since (I'm a night owl just like you and waking up at 5:45am was killing me). I honestly couldn't imagine going back to days at this point. The night team is so tight and supportive of each other. Even when we have no techs or unit clerk (happens a lot) we all come together to get everything done. Before switching though I would definitely ask around and see what people think of the charge nurses at night, because that makes a huge difference.

[MisMatch, LPN]

I will echo what super RN & coolpeach said. Overall, "true" nightshifters (those who work nights by choice rather than necessity) are a different breed. There is a skeletal staff so we learn to be more self-sufficient as well as part of a tight knit team. We tend to be more laid back. A good crew becomes very close knit and works well together - no room for "that's not my job/patient", everyone comes together to help each other out.

I graduated in 12/08, oriented on days and have been on night shift since. In those 2 years, I have worked all 3 shifts (coming in early or staying over). Night shift is much more relaxed. No "powers that be" lurking around the corner or watching over your shoulder. Much less power struggle/politics/inflated egos to deal with.

All my adult life I have been a night owl. I started this career at 50 y/o, tried all (2or) 3 shifts and have found night shift and I are a perfect fit. It's not for everyone. Give it a try!

[Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN]

I loved night shift for all the reasons I have read herebut one of the other reasons was way less visitors. I was a natural nightshifter myself and after being retired for the last 5-6 yrs I still can't sleep at night. I usually go to bed around 5 or 6 in the morning

[DC Collins, ASN]

---#1. There is more support during the day.

There will be other, more experienced nurses on shift with you. They will help you figure out what to do as you go.

---#2. My unit currently has a shortage on days.

Politely ask if nights are possible. If not, take the days. Then watch for openings at night and apply for them.

---And lastly, I hear that night shift nurses don't help each other out as much.

Typically the only issue is time. You will learn to do more on your own, which is a good thing. But I agree with others, there is a closer bond between night nurses IMHO. You make sure to show you are a team player and they will help you out as well, when possible. I absolutely LOVE the camraderie of the night shift where I work.

DC ED NOC RN