Shifts - do new nurses have a choice?

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · May 9, 2007

Every one of my classmates is working nights right now- but it depends on the market in your area.

bill4745, RN · May 9, 2007

You will be mostly on evenings or nights in most hospitals. Nurses don't start on days and get the off shifts as they gain seniority. My first job was straight 4pm- midnight for a year. Then went to another hospital and was 50/50 7-3, 11-7.

SmilingBluEyes · May 9, 2007

It depends on how picky you are. There tend to be more day positions in places like med-surg, ICU or ED, although not guaranteed. If you go to OB forget it, you will almost surely be on nightshift, and for a long time, as these nurses tend to work there a LONG time and gain a lot of seniority---those with seniority tend to get on dayshift first. But there are times when openings occur and you can grab them. Like I said, depends how picky you are about area or specialty. I know for a fact some new grads do start on dayshift in some places. Ask around. And be flexible. Good luck.

firstyearRN · May 9, 2007

I'm in Chicago!

SmilingBluEyes · May 9, 2007

Well then, check around. You are fortunate in that you have a lot of choices in a big area like Chicago. (hey homegirl I am a former Chi-town girl myself!!!!)

Some units have day positions, others do not. Like I said, it depends on how picky you are. Good luck.

CHATSDALE · May 9, 2007

when you ae interviewing let them know what you prefer, if the pay is good and the location favorable don't dismiss them out of hand

ask them what they have available and if it is not what you want ask them if you will be put on a waiting list . some floors don't like to train someone who is seeking another specility..in fairness to you and to them be upfront about what you want

as mentioned, you are in an area with a lot of facilites so you could probably get what you want

good luck

truern · May 9, 2007

Hired before I graduated nursing school AND for the day shift :)

Yes, it's possible.

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 9, 2007

It's the luck of the draw here. If you happen to want a particular shift and those shifts are open, new grads get them. If not, then the choice is yours whether to accept the shift offered or keep looking at other facilities.

Where I work, one new grad out of the last bunch got day shift and there are three in line waiting to come to day shift. People come and go so eventually they'll get it.

decartes · May 9, 2007

Opinions please: Is it worth traveling 25 miles one way to a facility that has a reputable new nurse preceptorship program over a more local place that pays better? The hours are 7P - 7A three nights a week with every 3rd weekend.

angel337, MSN, RN · May 9, 2007

i'm in chicago too and trust me if you are not too picky like someone else said you can find a day shift. i started out on pm's and like it alot. pm shift is easier to get because day shifts are hard to get as a new grad. look into Resurrection hospitals, they have tons of openings and University of Chicago.

Good luck!!!!!!!

SouthernBelleinsocal · May 10, 2007

Opinions please: Is it worth traveling 25 miles one way to a facility that has a reputable new nurse preceptorship program over a more local place that pays better? The hours are 7P - 7A three nights a week with every 3rd weekend.

I travel about 27 miles one way for work now and I wouldn't go to one of the closer hospitals for anything.

And when I first graduated last January, I worked at a hospital that was approx. 50 miles one way 3 12-hour days a week and even went to 8-hour shifts for a while so 5 days a week. They had an awesome new grad program and that is why I decided to go there as I had already seen the non-existant new grad programs in local hospitals. But you may determine it is too much of an expense....I drive a car thats super good on gas so it doesn't affect me too much even in SoCal where its $3.50/gallon right now :uhoh3:

Jess :nurse: