Night shift better for shy personalities?

[mamacita2]

I've been shy all my life. However, when it comes to nursing care, I try to speak up. I also do not do well under pressure. I know nursing is very tough and some may question why I chose it, but I chose it because I like it. However, as I'm finishing school, I'm realizing maybe the night shift is better for my personality, the 7pm to 7am shift where I'm not bombarded by patient's families, doctors, etc.

Do you think the night shift is better?

[MJB2010]

On night shift, we work more together as a team. While it is busy, there is less chaos and less distractions than on days. On night shift there are less family members chasing after you, less doctors and other staff to interact with. So it can be a good place to start . You still constantly get pulled In A million directions, but less so than On days. It is definitely worth a shot if you think you might be willing to try. There is always going to be a lot of pressure in nursing especially in a hospital setting, but with time and experience you will gain confidence and handle it better. It gets us all terrified in the beginning.

[proud nurse, BSN, RN]

Nights might be the best shift for you if your shyness is something you don't think you'll be able to overcome. There will still be many interactions, but definitely less than what you'd have on any other shift.

[SionainnRN]

Just keep in mind that on nights you'll have to call docs in the middle of the night because of something going on with your patient. It takes a lot of nerve to be able to do that. Good luck. Nights are generally the best place for new grads to start to help get their feet under them.

[RNperdiem, RN]

As a new nurse, you might not have much choice in shifts worked, so you might well be on nights. If your body can handle nights, then you will do just fine.

As a shy person myself, working in nursing isn't as bad as I thought it would be. You are there do a job, your role is all defined.

Nursing isn't like a party where you are trying to work up the courage to join in the conversations around you.

As the working day gets going, and your conversations are focused on the patient and the job at hand, you become less self-conscious. And if your coworkers are supportive, your shyness around them diminishes.

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

I'm a little antisocial (I admit it) and I find that there is less drama on night shift. We work better as a team, because there's not a lot of other people around to start with. There is more time to look up information and bounce ideas/ask questions... but less people around to consult with. We have good rapport (among the entire hospital) - we help each other.

I agree with the poster who mentioned calling docs in the middle of the night... I've gotten a couple of buttocks-clenching ear bashings from docs when I called for something that they thought was silly. However. You need to be a good patient advocate, not a timid wilting flower who doesn't want to wake up the doctor. Or patients. That being said... you get over it pretty quick at least I did.

Night shift is a good place to start IMO, but it's not for everybody.

[wanderlust99]

Either one, it depends what you are more comfortable with as a nurse. The shy part I really wouldn't worry about. You will eventually have to put yourself out there, day or night shift. And sometimes working days, dealing with all the families and doctors rounding, can get you out of your shyness. Tackle it head on. I'm shy(painfully at times), so can relate. I now prefer working days, but started off as a nurse on nights. It really is true, the more you put yourself out there and talk to people, the better you get at it.

Don't let your shyness hold you back is my best advise.

[SaoirseRN]

Might be that day shift will be what you need to help you overcome some of your shyness. Nothing like practice to get used to doing something.

I do find it's easier to call doctors when you've spent a little time talking to them face-to-face.

Perhaps the trial by fire that is day shift might be good for you!

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

I too am an introvert, and I definitely prefer night shift, to the point where I would not consider working days, even if it paid more (which it doesn't ) That said, there are still going to be situations on nights when you will have to step out of your comfort zone.

Someone above mentioned calling MD's, which is something I struggled with alot when I first started, but now am very comfortable with. What helped me with that was having all of the information necessary right at my fingertips before picking up the phone, that way when there are inevitable questions about why you are calling about this now, you have info to back up your decision making.(funny side note; as I am writing this, I am listening to the hospitalist gripe about a nurse who called her to report positive cultures, but then didn't know whether they were blood cultures, urine cultures, how many there were, or what the growth was...)

Another thing to be aware of, if you are working 7p-7a: there will still be family there when you arrive at work, and they will start calling you before you leave in the morning. Just remember that in this situation, you are the expert. They are looking to you for information, and empathy. They want to hear your input on what their family member is going through... like someone above said, it's not like striking up a conversation at a party.

And, finally I would suggest that if you really feel that if your shyness, and difficulty working under pressure will hinder you in a high pressure job, maybe try starting out in long term care, or some other position where you have your patients for a long time, and really get to know them and their families. That may help relieve some of the awkwardness.

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

Just want to second everything everyone has already said but if you work at abteaching facility there will be some in house overage for a few services. most of the drs i call are night float interns for internal medicine or gen surgery. a few times i page drs at home. when i have it was needed, couldnt wait. and they seemed to not mind. there has yet to be a big blow up with one for paging at night. as long as it is something that actually required paging

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm naturally an introverted person, and I would LOVE to work nights, but my body can't handle it. I've worked the graveyard shift, and it is hard. I'm just not a night owl. But I think that it is a great place to start if you suffer from shyness, and it certainly doesn't hurt that it (typically) pays more than day shift and those pesky visitors are usually gone.

[MzShayPace]

The night shift is a great start for you especially since u like working in this field. the night shift is cool but its a start and hopefully you can and will come out of your shyness so that you can move to either shifts. I to am somewhat shy but when it comes to my job i lam learning how to speak up a lttle bit more. The more I work and start to speak up and state how I feel or add my comment the less shy I am becoming. I pray that you overcome your shyness and that it continues to work out for you.