Hello all. I am an RN with 6 months experience. I oriented days when I first started my nursing orientation and then switched to orienting nights in order to prepare myself for my nightshift position. I have been working 12 hours nights for 6 months now. I can't express enough how much I dislike it. More than anything, it is simply the hours. I have never been a night owl and since working night shift, I have experienced sleep deprivation, GI issues, and horrible headaches. It was the only position I was offered so I took it. I have looked into other nursing jobs (specifically days or evenings) but all require 1 year experience. Does anyone have any advice? Or has anyone experienced this? It is affecting the quaity of my nursing care, as my patience is short. I am at a loss as to what to do. I have to work but I am not sure how much longer I will last on nights. Any advice is greatly appreciated..Thanks!
