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

Nurses New Nurse

Published

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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 :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment