Nighttime concerns

Mandylou · Feb 12, 2008

I was hired on days as a new grad and I was thrilled. My manager said she didn't understand why new grads got put on nights when there was so much more support on day shift.

I don't have any advice just wanted you to know you that you are not alone in your line of thinking. Good luck.

Roseyposey · Feb 12, 2008

I am currently 9 months into my first job as an RN as a nurse on L&D. My orientation was for 5 months on days. As a new L&D nurse (and a new nurse period), I found more comfort on days shift knowing that the docs were close by and USUALLY one or more was in house. Anesthesia was always in, too. Now on nigts, our docs (OB and anesthesia) are 25-30 minutes out. I am getting gray hair and high blood pressure with the stress of delivering my patients, dealing with pp bleeding and pts that come through the door who need a DOCTOR. Am I over-reacting because I am new or is this a valid concern? By the way, the other night nurses aren't much help. Maybe just something for new L&D RNs to consider before taking a job on nights...

I have to agree with you 110%, only not just in regards to L&D. I oriented on day shift and it was absolutely crazy. I couldn't wait to get to nights, thinking I could slow down and more thoroughly look into my patients' histories, etc. I was so wrong! When something goes wrong, you're by yourself. Also, there are certain doctors that no matter how serious the problem, get ticked off if you call them in the middle of the night...I always want to give them an attitude adjustment and ask them if they think I call them just to bash my self-worth a little in the middle of the night!

CrunchyLaborRN · Feb 12, 2008

Thanks for the replies. When I was reading the board this morning, the post about getting dream L&D job (except its on night shift) really struck a cord with me. I would love to go back to the support of day shift but that may not happen for a long time. I am torn between staying and finding something else even though I went to nursing school TO BE a labor nurse. I hate feeling so conflicted.

Belinda-wales, RN · Feb 12, 2008

I feel sorry for you- we make sure that our new nurses spend time in orentation on the night shift - I do not understand the point of doing it all on days then working nights madness- it works well forus resently most of our new nurses have chosen to stay on nights even when day posts open up - thaysay that they feel much more supported by their co workers and love the team work- things are different at night we have worked very hard with our doctors to build up trust and team work- usally if we ask them to come they come- no problems- guess we are just lucky.

trmr · Feb 12, 2008

I too worked nights on a L/D OB floor. I too grew many many grey hairs, developed an ulcer, and almost had a nervous breakdown once. I find it very scary that DR's are not there when you need them. Now I work on a medsurg and do nights one night a week. Still a bit scary but we have a "rapid response team" You do what you need to do, call on them if you think you can't handle it, they take over. And our E.R. doc is never very far away, so its better. But yes, I think what goes on at night in a facility is something you should check out and consider when taking on a new job.

rastanursern, MSN · Feb 12, 2008

Thanks for the replies. When I was reading the board this morning, the post about getting dream L&D job (except its on night shift) really struck a cord with me. I would love to go back to the support of day shift but that may not happen for a long time. I am torn between staying and finding something else even though I went to nursing school TO BE a labor nurse. I hate feeling so conflicted.

Lol, I wrote that post. I still have concerns about going to nights. I don't feel you have enough resources on nights, plus I have a 7 y/o son, and have no idea what I am to do with him to work nights. At least during the day he's in school, and can go to the afterschool program. I still have my hopes up that a day position will open up for me, but it seems so unlikely. Try to keep your head up, and I'll keep you in my prayers.

CrunchyLaborRN · Feb 12, 2008

RastaNurse,

The night shift is a great shift for a mom with a TypeA personality like me! The kids go to school during the day and I am there to pick them up and drop them off. My husband works 24/48 shifts at the fire dept so he is here the nights I work. Great for the kids but I don't even think I remember what my husband looks like!

rastanursern, MSN · Feb 12, 2008

RastaNurse,
The night shift is a great shift for a mom with a TypeA personality like me! The kids go to school during the day and I am there to pick them up and drop them off. My husband works 24/48 shifts at the fire dept so he is here the nights I work. Great for the kids but I don't even think I remember what my husband looks like!

Lol. I'm not married, but would like to be. I'm so scared about not spending enough time with the bf. He's very supportive, and says he has no issues with me working nights, it that's what's needed to get my foot in the door. I'm not a night person. I once did an agency gig 12 hr nights. By 2am I was soooooo sleepy and disgruntled, it wasn't funny. They say eventually your body gets used to it, I hope so, for my sake.

CrunchyLaborRN · Feb 12, 2008

I feel like I get totally stupid at 4am. I have to run the stairs for 10-15 minutes to get my blood flowing to my sleepy brain. Oh and a peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich on whole grain bread between 0300 and 0400 gets me through the roughest time of my shift and lasts me unti lI wake up that afternoon. I know you weren't asking for recipes but it works for me! LOL

I never do two nights in a row so I never come home and sleep the whole day. I konk out about 0830 and sleep until somewhere between 12 and 1300, that way the whole day isn't wasted and I can go to sleep easily that night.

jhhrn68 · Feb 13, 2008

I oriented on days and nights as do all our new nurses. And our docs come when we call. There will always be a time when the doc just doesn't make it in time for the delivery whether it is night or day. I would call the OB and keep calling until he gets there. It is not your job to deal with delivering babies or placentas or worrying about PP hemmor. Our docs all live close or stay close by when on call.

SheaOBRN · Feb 13, 2008

I have been an L&D nurse for 5 years now, straight out of school. I have now worked all shifts. The thing I find is that new people usually do start on nights because that is where there are usually holes. However, you shouldn't just be thrown in after your orientation on days, you should phase in with a night preceptor or resource person. Also, you have to work your way up a bit, most people do start on nights! I started my last staff position on nights and I had 3 years experience and couldn't get into a day position. However, I must say I LOVE WORKING NIGHTS! I have experienced much more team work on nights because we dont have the resources that days does. I prefer to work with the higher ups not breathing down my neck! And, usually the pt load is a bit less, but sometimes more critical. Usually there is a shift differential. The other thing that i like about nights is that you are independent and making decisions, it makes me feel good to be managing a pt while a doctor sits at home and sleeps. I feel good about that. The doctors are usually fussy on nights, but oh well, OH WELL-they get paid a lot of money! Also-just be open to learning and ASK FOR HELP. you wil be scared to start out regardless of what shift you are on! GOOD luck! at least try it, you may find you love it too! I worked 8 hour 2nds, 12 hour days, then 8 hour nights to fill holes....I asked to stay on nights from there...... Hooray for the night shift!