Nursecookie9

@want2beanursesoon- my manage knows nights has been affecting my health. There is only a part time day shift opening up on the unit soon. After last night I know I need to go ondays(b/p was 150/95) and I was in charge, with another new nurse and a student. Am going to start looking around for my day jobs and continue working nights in the meantime.

@oh'ello- You're probably right about the constant germs. I'm obsessive with hand washing at work, PPE, and using the alcohol. I also have an autoimmune disease why probably isn't good either when being around germs 24/7. I've been sick twice in the last three weeks and have stomach issues as well from nights. Are you still on nights or are you on days now?

@hppygrateful- I have no kids but practice the same routine on nights off. The only difference is i can't sleep on nights off anymore. At first I had no problem sleeping. Now I'm usually up until 2 or 3am no matter how tired I am.

Unfortunately there are no day positions on my floor in the whole hospital. Am looking to get back into home health and will be applying next week.

@hppygr8ful- I definitely can't do the constant night shift. I'm an active person and enjoy being outside on off days. I need sunlight.

I bounce back and forth on days off. There's no way I can keep an all nocturnal schedule on my days off. I'm always outside on my days off and do a lot of outdoor activites(biking, walking etc). I'd hate to sleep the day away especially when summer comes around.

Thank you, I will consider your advice about taking off

Thank you, I've been getting mixed responses. So far two co-workers (and one former employee) said to try and get days. I just came off vacation for a week, but was sick so didn't really get to relax and enjoy the break(and am now sick again). I have a perfect attendance so far, and have helped with overtime. I try to avoid taking off- I'm the kind of person that will only take off for a death or family emergency. I feel guilty if I would have to call in to rest as we are already short staffed (usually two nurses a night with 6-8 residents each).

Hi all, I am a relatively new hospital nurse(7 months in) and have been working nights for 5 months now. I have prior home care experience before starting at the hospital and eventually want to go back to home care. I have been having health issues(high blood pressure, palpitations, and insomnia, colds) that my MD said were from physical exhaustion as lab work was all normal. I am also sick again for the second time in three weeks with another cold(have an autoimmune disease). The MD recommended getting a day position, which is hard for a new nurse. Would it be best to tough it out for four more months on nights or to start applying to day shifts now? I do love the night shift and my co-workers, but I am tired of feeling constantly sick. We are also on an understaffed unit. There is only a part-time day shift available on this unit, and no other day shifts in the hospital. Any advice is greatly appreciated.