would you rather..

[glamgalRN]

Hey everyone!

I just started orientation for my first RN job in the ICU! I'm so excited:D!!! I was hired for nights (3 12 hr shifts), but for the first few weeks I'll be training on day shift. After orientation I'll be able to pick what nights I want to work, and I'm wondering if it's better to work 3 12hr shifts in a row and this way you can get on a normal sleeping pattern for the other 4 nights or should I try to split them up because I'll be exhausted? What do most people do? I'm not married or have any kids so it's not like I have any obligations besides work.

Thanks! :flowersfo

[barbyann]

I like to do two in a row, take two days off then work the 3rd. Sleeping is not an issue for me. I just go with the flow. I sleep around commitments and appointments. Husbands and kids wreak havoc on the night RNs sleep, try to avoid these obstacles if at all possible, LOL

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I did nights for many years and soon will be doing late evenings again: I always did all my shifts in a row - then crashed and burned - lol.

Good luck.

[Quaffetti]

When I worked nights it worked much better for me to work many in a row and get into a sleep pattern. But you just need to see how it works for you and hopefully your job can be flexible about it.

Actually nothing ever worked well for me on nights, which is why I will never do nights again, but the getting into a pattern worked better than anything else.

[NeosynephRN]

When I did nights I worked my 3 in a row and then I could easily flip back for the week. It was no big deal for me...but I have no issues sleeping, anytime anywhere. Just try to figure out what works best for you!!

[sharlynn]

I agree with doing what is best for you.

For me, the third night is terrible. When I worked in ICU, I felt it was hazardous for the patient to have me as a nurse on the third night! I still prefer to work no more than two nights in a row. I can handle two nights with only about 6 hours sleep, but not three.

Unlike others, I do not sleep that well in the daytime and catch up on my days off. I have a husband (a long term night shift worker who can sleep anywhere, anytime-grrr!), but the kids are grown and on their own. I couldn't do it if I had small children!

[StrwbryblndRN]

I do three nights. I have no problems on the third night staying awake. What helps for me is I do not have to take care of my kids between shifts and I live a block away from the hospital, so no drive time for me.

[FERN-tastic]

When I first started nights I split up the shifts because I was so exhausted. Now I work my 3 nights in a row (most of the time). Working 3 in a row makes it much easier to get a week off every month (without taking any time off). Occasionally I end up working 3 on, 1 off, 3 on, but the 7 or 8 nights off in a row are worth it.