rotating shifts

April, RN, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2010

I do D/N rotation and it's not that bad. I do mostly days and then a few nights per time plan. Some hospitals do 1 week days/1week nights or 2 weeks days/2 weeks nights. I think that would be much more difficult. We usually have a few days in between nights and days to get back on schedule. It takes some getting used to, but eventually you find what works for you. After my last night shift, I usually come home and sleep from 9a to 12 or 1pm, then go to bed at 10pm or so that night. I personally could never work straight nights, but I do like the change of pace. It's also nice to have the extra money in your paycheck. Oh, and at most Boston hospitals you can park for free on campus at night.

surferbettycrocker · Mar 12, 2010

thanks for the info. I guess the change of pace would be nice. i would think though that it must be hard to switch your internal clock. but if you dont do a ton of nights then your body may not even notice then you are back on days again. in terms of differentials for nights is it confusing to figure out your actual salary b/c your not guaranteed a set number of nights?

NeoPediRN · Mar 12, 2010

I work 50/50 day night rotating, two weeks on days and two weeks on nights...I do three 12 hour shifts/week. It's not bad. I like the variety and the nights are a welcomed change from the crazy day shifts. My hospital also does self-scheduling which is helpful. I don't have trouble transitioning from nights to days and vice versa, but I could sleep standing up after my shifts!

April, RN, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2010

As far as determining your salary, I suppose I don't ever know exactly what I'm going to make for the year. I usually just expect to make at least the same as the year before since I generally tend to work the same number of nights and weekend shifts per schedule. But that's the nice part of nursing. You can pick up extra night shifts or OT and boost your income.