Picu nights

[Taylor0324]

Hi everyone,I was just curious abou some insight on nightshift. I have only ever worked days and have two little ones at home. I was very lucky to be recently offered a picu position on nights at a level 1 trauma. Needless to say its my dream job minus the nights part. I also will be driving an hour each way through a busy city. How hard is the adjustment? I'm scared to take it but also not wanting to decline bc it's where I want to be. They said I would be first in line for days but there's no crystal ball of when that will happen! TIA

[CApediRN]

I think night shift is a great place for a new grad to learn and get time management skills down before moving to day shift. On my unit, days are typically busier with ICU rounds occurring, visitors coming in and out, management looking over your shoulder, day trips to the OR, radiology, etc, and fluids are hung on day shift as well! Not saying that night shift isn't busy though!

I've worked night shift for years and love it! The night shift is generally more laid-back. Your commute will be a nice time to study or clear your mind before your shift and then relax/unwind on the way home.

Good luck and welcome to PICU nursing!

[AndiePi]

I just got hired on a PICU as a new grad as well, and its for 12 hour overnight shifts. I've never worked nights before and am curious to see how I adjust. I'm just super excited that I got my dream job straight out of school! Since it's 12 hour shifts that's only 3 days a week, so I think I'll be able to handle it. Are you going to be doing 12s too?