Rotating Shifts

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2005

I worked rotating shifts as a factory worker from 2001 to 2004, and never quite got accustomed to the schedule.

For three consecutive weeks my schedule would be to work from 5 am to 5:30 pm (dayshift), with three days off per week in a row. After those three weeks of dayshifts were worked, I then had to switch to the 5 pm to 5:30 am graveyard shifts for three consecutive weeks, with the three days off per week in a row. After I worked my three weeks of graveyards, it was back to dayshifts for another three weeks. And so the rotation continued for several years.

If you have trouble falling asleep, drink a glass of wine. Cover your windows with dark drapes or sheets if you need to sleep during the day. Don't eat high-fat meals right before it is time to sleep, because they may keep you awake. If you need any more specific tips, please let me know. :)

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Dec 4, 2005

I will be a new grad for a big academic hospital starting in January working rotating shifts. Just how common is it to work rotating shifts? Any advice?

Hey congratulations!!! Sorry, don't know anything about rotating shifts. 3rd shift works best for me especially with my family. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2005

I don't know that it's all the common anymore. I worked for a V.A. hospital where we had to work rotating shifts. I've worked in other places where the only ones who were rotating shifts were the day and evening people. They were rotated for a week of night shifts when it was their turn because there weren't enough currently employed nurses to staff the night shift. It is often a strategy used to avoid having to use agency nurses.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Dec 4, 2005

i will be a new grad for a big academic hospital starting in january working rotating shifts. just how common is it to work rotating shifts? any advice?

when i worked on the west coast, we didn't rotate. everywhere else, we did. rotating shifts are pretty common!

advice -- you'll have to figure out what works for you. if you do self-schedule, try to work all your nights together, days together, etc. allow 2-3 days off between shift changes if possible. (easier if you're working all 12s.) when you're working nights, stay on a night shift schedule even on your days off. (depends on your age -- when i was 20-something, i could work all three shifts in the same week and party afterward. now that i'm ummm . . . older . . . it takes me awhile to bounce back!)

there are plenty of threads about advice for working nights.

my best advice is be gracious about rotating shifts. if you go into your new job complaining about it, people will mark you as a complainer, and you'll have a harder time becoming part of the unit. chances are everyone else there has to rotate, too.

ruby

Altra, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2005

Hi Kathy, I don't know if the hospital where you're going does rotating shifts or not. I will ask some people I know who have worked there in the recent past, but the best person to ask could probably be your new manager-to-be.

We do not rotate shifts where I am. In my department, nearly everyone works a little of everything, except those who choose to work nights only. I work a combination of days & nights, with a rare 3-11 on certain days of the week.

Good luck in your new position - I'm excited for you! :Ball:

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2005

Hi Kathy, I don't know if the hospital where you're going does rotating shifts or not. I will ask some people I know who have worked there in the recent past, but the best person to ask could probably be your new manager-to-be.
We do not rotate shifts where I am. In my department, nearly everyone works a little of everything, except those who choose to work nights only. I work a combination of days & nights, with a rare 3-11 on certain days of the week.
Good luck in your new position - I'm excited for you! :Ball:

Hey Michelle, unless things have changed since my interview, I expect to rotate. How I would love to work just days but I guess I have to pay my dues like everyone else. Maybe it's a seniority thing. Either way, I'm prepared to suck it up and rotate.

Thanks for the good wishes! I'll be seeing you soon.:Snow: