night shift

Published

Do ya think its a good idea for a nurse with about 6mos expierience to work night shift in ltc???im wondering if i should switch shifts. Do ya think it would be better if i had more expierience? There will actually be 2 nurses at night so if I ever need help i wont be alone. What do ya think?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

I worked the night shift in an acute care hosptial right after I graduated from school. For me, it was the best. I gained confidence, developed good organizational skills, and did not have to deal with the people who were bosses, and the people who "thought" they were bosses.

If you can count on the other nurses for support, I would say go for it, especially if: 1. you are unable to find employment in an acute care facility, 2. you realize your life will be opposite everyone else's in your life, and 3. recognize you will be "chasing sleep."

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks im just so scared...uhh i hate it!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey, get over being "scared". You are a nurse, and part of your job is being surprised and startled every day. If you feel you have good backup to bounce things off of, then go for it! How else will you learn?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geri-psych nursing.

It is so true about "being opposite everyone else's schedule" & "chasing sleep". Even though I spent 25 hours awake on my day/night off for family obligations & still feel a bit "off", I absolutely love night shift & wouldn't trade it for anything (okay, ALMOST anything lol). I love the autonomy, no nosey administrators, my coworkers, & just the general "flow" of the night. Many other things do I enjoy about working nights, but you will, of course, need to find your own reasons. If you are able to function with reasonable competence on days, and can count on a night nurse to bounce ideas off of/problem solve with, then you will probably do okay. You'll never know everything, so waiting to know what to do in every possible situation is something of a fallacy. If you are an active learner & stay curious, you'll probably do okay. I keep adding the "probably" disclaimer because the real question is how you will do 6 mos or more down the road with the night-shift schedule itself. Most people do not adapt well, some can "deal with it", and a few odd critters, such as yours truly, thrive on it & function not-so-well on a day schedule. Have you ever worked any night job for an extended period? I'm talking months. If you have, then you really already have your answer. If not, why not try it if you are willing? Take a chance, get messy! You will be challenged, you will grow, and you will learn things about yourself. Live the dream! I wish you the best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was a new grad and started on days in ICU. I switched shifts with a girl on nights for a week. She thought she wanted to try days and I wanted to try nights so it just work out. She ended up staying on nights, and I joined her.

I liked nights better. Its slower paced, mainly because you get to take care of your patient and don't also have to take care of their family members and their doctors all day long.

The work is better. The pay is better. The stress on your body is more. You get to where you pretty much stay tired all the time. I would see if you could try it for a while if you don't know how you will react to the new schedule.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a new grad and work the night shift in ltc. There is a another nurse down the hall on the other wing, so if I need anything she is there. I have enjoyed this shift, besides trying to get used to the sleeping schedule. I could not work days in this facility. Too many people, too many therapists, administrators, doctors, noise...

Good luck on your decision!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
thanks im just so scared...uhh i hate it!!!

nights is a good time to bring the chart together, look at the whole picture. You won't be alone and I am sure there is a supervisor, after working nights after my children were born.....being away from the chaos of days can be a blessing!:o:o

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks guys for all the encouragement. Im super excited to start!!!The only thing i'm scared of is I know generally the elderly pass more often at night, and of course staying awake. lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

I started as an LPN working nights in LTC and as an RN continue to works nights. You can do it. Hopefully you will have some downtime to really read up on policy/procedure and anything else you are unsure of.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
i started as an lpn working nights in ltc and as an rn continue to works nights. You can do it. Hopefully you will have some downtime to really read up on policy/procedure and anything else you are unsure of.

thanks good point u made there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I work nights and have for the past 3 years and I love it. I have no problems sleeping, I sleep great (black out shades, ear plugs and Im good to go for 7-8 hours). I LOVE the flexibility I get on nights.....I get paid more, its MUCH more laid back, I dont have to take off work for Drs appt, sick kids, nothing. Its great. Right now its totally working for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion