Scoring day shift as a new grad....impossible?

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Hi there, I'm a new poster and will be a new grad this summer. I have a really messed up circadian rhythm anyway and know night shift would be nearly impossible for me. If I stay up too late it takes me days to catch up, if I stay up really late I actually get sick. Also having opposite schedules from my husband would be really frustrating. We are also really excited for me to graduate and start a family and night shift nursing would be an extra hardship with a new baby at home. I do realize this has been done and many nurses have survived it and are no worse for wear AND that it's kind of a paying your dues thing. Any advice? Thanks SO much.

Trista

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

You can find day shifts to work as a new grad....

They may not be in your first choice unit, but they are out there.... Many doctors offices, schools, clinics and outpatient arenas have days positions.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

It really depends on the area you want to go into, and the unit itself, and the hospital, too. I'm a new nurse doing nights on a tele floor. I wanted nights, so i didnt even look for a day position, but, i had 4 or 5 other new nurses start orientation with me, and they were ALL hired for day positions (other tele units and med surg). There's such a shortage in certain areas- both day and night positions- that many people are actually given a choice. Now, at the same hospital- it's nearly impossible to get a day position in L&D unless you've been there for 5 years and gave them your first born child lol

It's not impossible to get a day position- it's just all about supply and demand.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

Nothing is impossible. It all depends on the needs of the units you are applying to. I am a new grad, and I don't work days, but I did land a job with no weekends whatsoever--I work Monday-Friday 3pm-11pm & I can't complain. I had open availability, was seeking full time employment & this just happened to be the need of the unit I wanted to work on. Good luck in your search!

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Specializes in Telemetry/Cardiac Floor.

I got day shift on Telemetry, Mon-Thus. 3 days no weekends, and there's another day position open there too!

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I live in NYC and I'm a new grad also. I am in the same boat as you because I can barely stay up past 1230am and I was hired for nights. I have applied at 10 hospitals and was told the only openings for new grads were in nights.. For now I will just have to suck it up because it has taken me 2months to "land" a job and most of my friends havent even recieved an interview. I wish you all the best :)

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

I had the option of day shift, but I just prefer to work nights. I also have many friends I graduated with that got day shift on the units they wanted, no prob. Worst case, IMO, would be day shift on a unit that isn't your first choice -- but I don't think you'll have a huge problem finding a day shift position.

GL!

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That's what it's like around here - you have to be flexible about SOMEthing. If you really need days you can find a day job - it just might not be at the hospital you want or in your desired specialty. You're probably not going to land your dream job in CSU/L&D/NICU/whatever at the top hospital in your area that also happens to be 5 minutes from your house - and also get day shifts. Then again, if that position happens to be open, it doesn't hurt to apply for it.

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i had trouble finding job in NYC as well. I finally landed one in a city hospital. I was surprised that it was so hard. Is the nursing shortage over in NYC ? Is it better elsewhere? Or is it just because we are new grads?

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