Really struggling with my transition to NICU

[TigerGalLE, BSN, RN]

I have always been lucky to work 1st shift during my nursing career. I recently changed from ICU to NICU which put me on 3rd shift. I work in a level 2 nursery and our census is anywhere from 1 -8 babies. It is small and we don't get very sick babies..... 3rd shift is killing me. I'm terrified I'm going to fall asleep at the wheel. I have a 45 minute commute and it takes everything I have to make it home. I also feel like crap at work. My head hurts, my eyes cross, and my heart pounds. The nurses I work with turn all the lights off in the nursery and I'm telling you what, it is brutal. I can't see.... the computer screen is terribly bright on my eyes, and I have a hard time staying awake.

I've been offered my old day shift position back in ICU. I'm thinking of doing it just to get off nights..... But I don't know. I like the babies. I really do. It is easy on my body and the pace is a breeze.... But I am not sure if it is worth working nights.

I know y'all can't tell me what to do. I just feel bad that they have invested 12 weeks into my orientation and now I have been on my own a month and want to leave. I have a toddler at home and when I work multiple shifts in a row I sometimes go 48 hours without seeing him at all. It breaks my heart. When he tells me goodbye in the evening he clings to my neck and cries. Then I cry all the way to work....

[HyperSaurus, RN, BSN]

It sounds like you know what you want to do. Night shift isn't for everyone (as a matter of fact, neither is day shift). Yes, it's a shame to have to leave, esp after finishing orientation, but you have to do what is best for you and your family.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

You have to do what you have to do. But check and see if you can transfer before 6 months, many places won't let you. I know where I work the manager can block a transfer if it shorts the unit... This happens pretty frequently at our hospital, especially in the summer months. I would go talk to your NICU manager about all this before you put in to transfer.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

Go back to your old job in ICU, dayshift. Too bad they invested time and money in orienting you, but that won't matter much if you fall asleep at the wheel, or are too groggy and sleepy to take care of the sick babies. I cannot handle night shifts, either, and I absolutely cannot stand it when other nurses turn off the lights! I am not a cat, I can't see in the dark, either. I don't know why they would turn off the lights, anyway, it isn't like the babies only sleep in the dark. I worked for 6 years in NICU, and we never turned off the lights.

[Kristen, NICU RN]

I felt like that when I first started! At the NICU I used to work at it was a big open unit and the nurses turned off every single light... I honestly could not see a thing... and my eyes burned from the bright computer screen as well.. I felt very groggy and was nervous I would make a mistake! :-(

Luckily I adjusted very quickly and now do really well on night shift. It did take some time though.

I absolutely love working in the NICU and have never done anything else... I think I would be miserable working with adults even if I was on dayshift. But that's just me! If you were happy in ICU then it might be worth it to go back to days.... I know you would feel bad about leaving the unit after all the time they invested in your orientation but you have to do what's right for YOU! :) Good luck with your decision.

[TigerGalLE, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the support everyone. I have been doing better. At this time I am planning to stay in the NICU. I am drinking more water and I think that has helped with the headaches. I am pretty sure I was dehydrated from only drinking coffee at night and then sleeping all day and waking up and drinking more coffee.... Crazy I know. I also have been leaving a lamp on near my desk which is helping my eyes. The thought of going back to ICU is stressful to me. I miss my friends terribly but I’m just starting to get the hang of babies and feeling a little more confident. I really do love the babies and I’m going to stick it out.

Thanks again for the support. I was having a hard time but feel better

[krenee]

Are you sleeping in the daytime? I work nights and I work 60 hours a week . . . everyone wants to know how I do it, and I tell them I sleep! 7-8 hours a day. I don't do anything when I work except eat, sleep, and go back to work. I also have a very understanding dh! If you need tips to sleep in the daytime, I have plenty.

Good luck!