Nursing day time

bekind_andtrue · Jul 14, 2017

I live in FL so it may be different... but my sister-in-law got her first RN job as day shift in the ICU. She was probably somewhat lucky. However from what I've heard... nurses make an extra 6-7 per hour working night shift and it is generally more relaxed because the family is less likely to be around. I would imagine both of these are incentive for nurses to prefer night shift.

Also I would say definitely no to them training you on night if you are to be set for days. They will not expect you to work both shifts... only the one you signed up for. 12 hour shifts are hard to shift between the the two.

In my personal experience and opinion... you'll get what you expect! Don't worry so much about it. Have your heart set on getting what you want and need and believe that you'll get it!!! Sorry - I know I am cheesy. í ½í¸†

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Jul 14, 2017

Most new grads start out on night shift. Although there are nurses that like night shift (maybe for the night shift differential), most switch to day shift once they get enough seniority. It may be difficult to find a day shift position in a hospital. It may be possible in areas that work with outpatients, such as outpatient surgery. Another option is school nursing which obviously during the day.

JKL33 · Jul 14, 2017

The heart of this can't really be discussed without knowing your husband's rationale.

For instance, in a situation where children are involved, there are different concerns about both working the same shift vs. trying to share childcare duties while avoiding paid services.

That's different than, say, if he doesn't want you out at night.

And if he doesn't want you out at night? Why not? Are there legitimate safety/travel concerns or is there some twisted kind of trust issue involved here?

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 14, 2017

Totally agree with JKL33. If there are some legitimate, practical concerns for your working nights, then you and he need to sit down together and discuss your career plans in light of the reality that it might include some night shifts. You need to find some possible solutions/compromises that you can both live with that will address those concerns (e.g. child care, safety, etc.).

However, if he just doesn't trust you ... or wants to control your movements ... or some other non-legitimate reason ... then you have a marriage relationship problem that needs to be addressed with a marriage counselor of some kind.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2017

I've only worked in the Midwest, so not sure how relevant this is... It's near impossible for a new hire to get straight days in a hospital. (they do get rotating shifts.) SNFs are easier to get days in. If that's not the case in NJ (about SNFs being more flexible), you may be limited to positions that don't exist overnight -- school, public health, day surgery, clinic, etc.

Why is he so opposed to nights? I had to get off nights a few years ago because his job requires him to be sharp, and the baby would wake him up during the night. He could sense a decline in his cognition. Or if there are legitimate safety issues, that's understandable.

If he simply wants you with him at night (not a trust issue, just a preference), does he realize that he may be severely limiting your job prospects? Is it possible for him to see nights as a temporary investment in your career? If it's a control or trust issue, that goes above and beyond a job search -- that needs professional help.

nsumrein · Jul 14, 2017

I mean he is a doctor himself (resident), I'm not really sure on his take as to why, but I'm hoping due to his status it will be a good connect for me to get one, hopefully?

Luckyyou, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2017

I'm hoping due to his status it will be a good connect for me to get one, hopefully?

Am I reading this wrong, or are you hoping that you'll get preference for a day shift schedule because you're husband's a resident? Oh man, your coworkers will loooooove that one.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 14, 2017

I mean he is a doctor himself (resident), I'm not really sure on his take as to why, but I'm hoping due to his status it will be a good connect for me to get one, hopefully?

You mean you haven't even communicated with him enough to know why he feels strongly about you working night shifts.

Step 1: Communicate with your husband. Find out why he is expecting you to limit your career opportunities.

There is no reasonable Step 2 until you complete Step 1.

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Jul 14, 2017

After reading that your husband is currently a resident I'm assuming relocation isn't a possibility. I've always been able to find dayshift positions, even recently when I was a new grad RN....I do live in one of the cheapest states when it comes to nursing wages though. It hasn't always been my first choice location/floor, but it was dayshift.

JKL33 · Jul 14, 2017

You must find out why. I can't imagine how it hasn't come up in the course of him declaring that he "absolutely doesn't want [you] working nights at all!"

No snark - I must sincerely tell you that engaging in any practices with the intent of hopefully securing a day shift based on your husband's status as a resident is not how you want to begin your career.

chacha82, ADN, BSN · Jul 14, 2017

I don't work in NJ but I was not offered days as a new grad. Eventually I got to days but it was after almost 2 years. So...it just depends where you are willing to work. If you only want days, you will have to take whatever you are offered, whether it be acute care, sub acute rehab, or LTC. After one year I attempted to go to another facility, but they also only offered me nights. They explained most new hires are nights, and they give days to their own employees as they open up.