Seeking advice on rotating shifts

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 15, 2006

I could never do rotating shifts on a fulltime basis. But that is just me. The havoc it would wreak on my sleep and health, NOT worth it.

SFCardiacRN · Apr 15, 2006

I too would look for a more stable environment. Permanent rotating shifts tell me this employer is having a lot of problems.

suzanne4, RN · Apr 15, 2006

Neither of those offers is good, if you need to rotate, ti should be one month at a time. To do less than that, plays too much havoc with your internal clock. Flip - flop shifts do not help anyone, patients, or you. Your sleep periods become very confused.

Sure, it is one thing to go in and cover a shift or two on nights because they are short, but to do it on a regular routine, DON't Do It.

There is definitely a problem with the facility if this is what they are offering. If you really like the place, then try to get all nights, but not the mix.

dorimar, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2006

I didn't think they made anyone rotate shifts anymore. It is very difficult to do. You are better off taking full time nights (even if you prefer days ) and later transfereing to days after you get some seniority.

Doris

hellonurse36 · Apr 15, 2006

I rotate 2 weeks days then 2 weeks nights. I don't mind it as there are benefits to both schedules. It is a challenge to flop back in forth, and I think it might be even harder if it were on a 1 week basis...not sure though as I haven't tried that.

Good luck,

Terri F in Greenville, NC

ParalyzeDragon · Apr 15, 2006

I was hired on as a rotater. At the hospital I work for in Memphis rotating is a common practice apparently.One nurse manager told me it is easier to get someone to rotate than to work straight nights. I hate the rotating. All lot of people told me to go straight nights. I am going for straight nights as suggested.My body is so out of wack! TAke all nights!!!Be nice to yourself.

PedsRNBSN · Apr 15, 2006

I just left a job for that reason. At the beginning it sounded good, because i tend to like nights better and my husband (we have no children) prefers me on days because then he gets to see more of me....so it seemed like the best of both worlds.....but it was AWFUL!!! Rotating even a week or so at a time or during the same week just made me completely exhausted, and I ended up NEVER seeing friends or family because I was always too tired or working on the weekends. It was BAD BAD BAD. Don't do it. Look for a more stable environment and move on. I left and went to an Ambulatory Surgery center and work four 9-10s (6:15 a-4:15 p) and off every Fri-Sun....it is AWESOME.

Good luck, Kelly

MrRN2006 · Apr 17, 2006

Thanks for all the advice, very helpful! Day/Night rotations seem commonplace here, especially for new grads. I am just trying to find one that won't be too difficult or that I will have the opportunity to rapidly switch to a more steady schedule. Keeping my fingers crossed. I welcome any other postings. Thanks again!

military spouse · Apr 17, 2006

I wouldn't do it, but if you must............. I would give serious consideration to the job that allows self-scheduling. That could make a real difference!

Jolie, BSN · Apr 17, 2006

I was hired on as a rotater. At the hospital I work for in Memphis rotating is a common practice apparently.One nurse manager told me it is easier to get someone to rotate than to work straight nights. I hate the rotating. All lot of people told me to go straight nights. I am going for straight nights as suggested.My body is so out of wack! TAke all nights!!!Be nice to yourself.

I couldn't agree more!

Rotating shifts wreak havoc on one's body, mind, spirit, and performance. IF there is no other choice, insist on rotating on a monthly basis, not weekly or bi-weekly. But I agree that straight nights is preferable.

The most miserable job I ever had was working in a NICU where I was required to rotate (12 hour shifts) every 2 weeks. In the winter, I went to work at 6:30 am in the dark, came home at 7:30pm in the dark, (or vice versa for nights) and worked in a unit with no windows. I would go for 4 days without seeing the sunshine. I literally never knew whether it was day or night. Needless to say, I didn't last long in that environment. I went to my NM and insisted on a straight 8 hour shift or I would quit.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Apr 17, 2006

hi folks!
i am a new grad intervieiwing for 2 positions. both are day/night rotations and every other weekend. one rotates every other week. the other rotates 2 weeks day/2 weeks nights. it seems like the 2/2 would be better on the body than rotating every other week, but i would love to get advice from others. also, one offers self scheduling the other does not. how important is this? i am partnered with no children, so my time is typically my own. other key items you would look for in a new job offer?
thanks!

rotating shifts are very common in some areas of the country -- you may not be able to find a job that doesn't require it. at least, not if you're looking to work in a hospital.

all other things being equal, i'd prefer to work 2 weeks of days/2 weeks of nights. it's just easier to switch less often. but the job that offers self-scheduling would allow you to schedule as many days off between your night shifts and your day shifts as your body requires, so that would be a real plus.

other things i'd look for in a new job offer: orientation -- how much do you get, and are they going to assign you 1 or 2 regular preceptors or are you going to take potluck? how much floating is expected, where will you float (anywhere in the hospital or just within your program area?) and is there a moratorium on floating until you've been at the job a specified length of time? are there a lot of senior staff there? (an indication that they treat their nurses well. if all the senior staff has left, you might want to ask why.)

good luck!

ruby