Shifts that new nurses work? I am worried about nights!

Nurses General Nursing

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ok, i am wondering what the typical shifts are for nurses?

do the new nurses get stuck on the late night shifts?

i am wondering because i am pursuing my rn degree and i am currently having major issues with sleeping and i think it has to do with me working a 3-11 shift currently. i am really upset over this, and now i am worrying about my career path because if working that shift is bothering me now.... how can i do it as a nurse?!

between the shift and the stress at work to begin with (i am really unhappy at my job) there have been 2 nights this week that i didnt sleep, last night being one. and it is off and on, approx. once a week or two lately.

i have tried to many things.. waking up by a certain time, lotion to lull you to sleep, cutting back on caffeine, valerian root.. my next shot is sleepytime tea.

since i work this shift mostly all of my days of work, i am up till about 2 am, and wake up by 10-1030am.

i did mess everything up because i was unemployed for 1.5 months in october/november and slept way too much and that started this whole mess and i don't know how to fix it.. and i am really worried about my career path now!! :o

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Specializes in Nurses who are mentally sicked.

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I hate night shift inasmuch as I can't sleep in the day time!

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Hmmmm thanks? I am not sure that helped me out at all, lol!

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Specializes in ED.

I'm a new nurse and I had no problem finding a day position as a new grad. There are plenty of day openings in my area...sorry I don't know about where you live. I'm definitely not a night person...I had to work evenings (3-11) for a little while and it REALLY messed me up, so I feel your pain. It was very hard emotionally and physically for me. I would encourage you to talk to your manager and see what options they have for you after you graduate. I'm sure that you will be able to find a position that fits you perfectly...don't give up hope now, just keep looking! I hope you find something that works better for you!

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https://allnurses.com/forums/f240/sleep-hygiene-257271.html

Thread about sleep hygiene - hope this helps!

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Specializes in MPCU.

I find it very difficult to get proper sleep on the 3-11 shift but do just fine on noc's. The noc shift seems to be the one most in demand. Just a note, chronic sleep pattern disturbance could be a symptom of something serious.(I know you know, but sometimes it's wise to state the obvious.) Couldn't hurt to see a MD or NP.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

I'm a new grad working nights. Nights were the only shifts available to me in the area where I wanted to work (ICU). All of the new grad hires are on nights except one who is on evening shifts. In one sense I'm glad to be working nights because the workload is a little more predictable, and I don't have to transport my patients off the unit. Unfortunately, my body just cannot adjust to the schedule. As soon as I don't have to be at work, I go right back to sleeping at night again--even if I just woke up at 4pm that day. For the past six months I've felt like I had jet lag every day; I've definitely dropped about ten IQ points.

I think that if you want to work in med/surg you won't have a problem finding a day shift job--I know plenty of new grads who were hired for med/surg days. If you want a critical care position or L&D, it might be more difficult. If you are a day person with very set rhythms (like me) I would try my hardest to find a day shift job. As soon as I feel more confident in my time management and clinical skills, I'm going to put in for a day position at my hospital. I think that more than a year of this would kill me.

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

my favorite shift was nights. I sleep so much better in the daytime than nights. Since I prefferred nights anyway.I never had any problems. I think the most folks I know, hated 3-11. I have found there are more vancancies on 3-11 than any where else. So it would be a good possibility you will get an evening shift.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Mental Health & Addictions.

I have been working nights since I got my RN license 3 years ago. There were day positions available but I like working nights. I work 7P-7A Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I've yet to get a consistent sleeping pattern down but for the most part I feel like I get enough rest.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.

Hi

Have worked nites for over 32 yrs.

I have trouble sleeping; even after all this time.

I do use melatonin; there is also benadryl you can try.

One of the things that I have found recently, is that if I listen to my

I-Pod ---soothing music, only---I can fall asleep.

My husband has also put up a VERY dark shade in the bedroom. In fact, it is a black shade. He has also put up some wood around the window, so as to keep the shade in place. It keeps the room very dark.

Another thing, they say to keep the TV off.

A couple of boring computer games might also help!! LOL

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If the hours is the number one priority on your list, then put it at the top of your list and only apply for day jobs.

Of course, the jobs might not be available for the speciality/unit/floor that you want. With many hospitals switched to 12 hour shifts, there are a lot more daytime jobs available.

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Specializes in Rehab/Post Acute.

Your question made me laugh, because I'm a nursing student (graduating 5/09), and someone told me as a new grad I would have to work days (during the week) for at least a year---- I want nights because it works better for my kids and husband(3-11 being my first choice, but I'll take 7p-7a since most hospital seem to be 12 hours--- actually weekends are my first choice, but again I'm told that new grads aren't hired for weekend work, because they don't orient on nights or weekends???) So, I'm actually glad to see some new grads are put on nights--- don't worry, I think there are plenty of us that want nights, so if days is your priority--- I would hope you'll find something. Good Luck!!!!

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