Shift preferences

Rnn2003, MSN, RN · May 2, 2004

I tried working the 12 hour shifts and found that when i worked 7a-7p loved it but when it was my turn to rotate on to the 7p-7a shift I was a monsterest. As soon as a 10 hour shift opened up I took it with much love. I am very happy working 10 hour shifts.

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 2, 2004

It's a very tough shift and hard to get used to, but the good thing is that it's only three days.

Everyone finds their own way of dealing with them, and there are different approaches. Good luck!

IamRN · May 3, 2004

i am going to be working 3- 12 hour night shifts. how hard is this shift to get used to? is it a good shift to work?

i have worked this a lot. when i was single it wasn't a big deal (did mostly p-a's), even three in a row. now that i have two kiddos i have asked not to be scheduled three in a row (a-p's)...otherwise i miss out on three straight days of their lives. they will usually be asleep by the time i get home

there are pros/cons. i love that it is only three days, but they can be *very long* days you will eventually get used to them, but it takes a while.

rnn2003 i would *never* do rotating shifts...couldn't stay sane!!! :imbar

nekhismom · May 3, 2004

LOVED nights. ABSOLUTELY HATE days. I can't wait to get back on nights.

Now the first week I worked nights was hard. I had to put up very dark curtains to sleep during the day, but after that, it was great. Also, I felt disoriented to day sometimes. But I got over that.

It depends on your situation, but I found the night shift to be much more of a "team" and to be more helpful to one another.

best of luck to you.

rjflyn, ASN, RN · May 3, 2004

It all depends on the kind of person you are. Me I choose to do straight nights 3-12's over days as i'm not a morning person- hate getting up at 5am to go to work.

Now the person that came up with rotating shift needs to be shot:chuckle Where i work its the majority of the shifts rotate due to the union contract.

It requires 40% of the day shifts be straight but also gives a $300/qr- $2000/yr bounuses for straight night shifts.

rj:)

dansamy · May 3, 2004

the person that came up with rotating shift needs to be shot

Amen, sister!! I'm a student. I am already well aware of my body's schedule. I am a night person. Always have been, always will be. I already know I will be looking for a 3-12s p-a shift after I graduate.

playallday · May 3, 2004

I am going to be working 3- 12 hour night shifts. How hard is this shift to get used to? Is it a good shift to work?

continuity for the patient, you get to follow through on your plan of care, less time in report, only 3 days per week... just get your own rhythm for how many days in a row you can handle. On nights I prefered 3 in row, then I could get on a regular schedule the rest of the days with my family. Good Luck and keep an open mind...always.

SmilingBluEyes · May 3, 2004

I hate nights but do it out of necessity and scheduling arrangements. I envision a day out of hospital nursing,where I just do 8 hour day shifts. Some day. It's just too dang hard on my system.