nights vs. day shift for new grad

Super_RN, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2005

I think it varies. I believe night shift makes a person more self-sufficient due to less staff. Day shift there is more resource people available, if they have the time to help you.

:balloons:

NurseNicoleRN · Aug 19, 2005

im starting night and i think it will be easier because its less hectic and less people coming up to you every five minutes

showbizrn · Aug 19, 2005

whats your opinion on what shift to begin on?
is it better to begin on nights ---- less busy, no visitors, etc.
if you started on nights, do you think that were able to learn more and have an easier time adjusting, then if you started on days?

Being a veteran (and present full-time) night nurse, I recommend you base your decision on the following:

1. Your body's physical adustment to night shift

- Are you able to sleep undisturbed during daytime hours?

- Are you alert and awake throughout the entire night shift?

-Do you experience any physical sypmtoms when working nights? (i.e., headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowziness, abdominal discomforts)

2. Your scheduling needs

- Daytime conflicts which necessitate you to work nights

- To attend school during daytime hours

- To perform family commitments during daytime hours.

ENJOY YOUR NURSING CAREER! :)

:saint: Only you can assess/evaluate which shift will best satisfy your needs.

kahlo · Aug 19, 2005

thanks for the replies --- i suppose that i'll have to make a decision on my own about what's better for me.

i was just wondering if one was better than the other, as far as just starting out and learning!

i have worked night shift before --- but it was a six day/out of seven job. and i just kept myself on that schedule of sleeping during the day on my one day off.....soooo, i guess we'll see how this goes!

again, thanks for all the replies!!

amyrae76 · Sep 25, 2005

Not sure if you're still looking for advice since this post is over a month old, but I thought I'd offer my 2 cents. :)

I'm a new grad too, and I started out on day shift, along with 4 other new grads, on a VERY busy med/surg floor. 2 months after we all started on that floor, all 4 of us have now quit because it was such a bad experience. However, the new grads who started out on the night shift on that same floor tell me that they absolutely love it and have a blast on night shift.

The pace is just different, from what I hear. You mentioned a couple of considerations, like fewer people calling you, fewer family members around, etc. Well, the scary thing to me was that if I ever had to call a doctor for anything, it would be in the middle of the night!! You'd have to be pretty darn sure that phone call is necessary, you know? That would make me nervous.

amy :)

NurseNicoleRN · Sep 25, 2005

Not sure if you're still looking for advice since this post is over a month old, but I thought I'd offer my 2 cents. :)
I'm a new grad too, and I started out on day shift, along with 4 other new grads, on a VERY busy med/surg floor. 2 months after we all started on that floor, all 4 of us have now quit because it was such a bad experience. However, the new grads who started out on the night shift on that same floor tell me that they absolutely love it and have a blast on night shift.
The pace is just different, from what I hear. You mentioned a couple of considerations, like fewer people calling you, fewer family members around, etc. Well, the scary thing to me was that if I ever had to call a doctor for anything, it would be in the middle of the night!! You'd have to be pretty darn sure that phone call is necessary, you know? That would make me nervous.
amy :)

not sure aboput ure hospital but at mine thier is 3 or 4 doctors on call not to mention hundreds of other docs that can aswer a question and are floating throught the hospital ....we have nightfloat and i just page whoever is on that night and they come up to the floor if their is a major problem the resident will call the attending at home not me so its really not as scary as you think a doc is always in house for me

ex1140 · Oct 6, 2005

not sure aboput ure hospital but at mine thier is 3 or 4 doctors on call not to mention hundreds of other docs that can aswer a question and are floating throught the hospital ....we have nightfloat and i just page whoever is on that night and they come up to the floor if their is a major problem the resident will call the attending at home not me so its really not as scary as you think a doc is always in house for me

Glad to hear it...but you'd be surprised at the number of doctors that don't want to be bothered at night. I work for a LTC/Rehab facility and we

literally do all we can at times to keep from calling the Doc.

I don't suggest anyone work nights unless, as someone else stated, you are

physically fit to do so...I suffer from papitations at times and many nights I come to work exhausted because sleeping during the day just doesn't compare to a good nights sleep...that's why I am currently seeking a 3-11 shift...nights are quiet, less hectic, but definitely not for everyone. The

graveyard shift has also been known to effect blood pressure as well...

sjb2005 · Oct 6, 2005

I recommend Day shift for a new grad. You can maximize learning new things and have the resources to help. I've been nights for many years. It's the many years of experience that get me through those challenging nights.