Should I go to nights?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I'm getting a bit tired of the incivility I have when I do my 8 (usually ends up being 10) hour shifts on evenings.

I also know that we are in desperate need for a night nurse on my rehab unit. We literally have two nurses covering for 50 residents...not safe honestly especially with all the issues going on overnight. Lots of complaints about nurses not giving pain meds...

And it might be better for my and my partner. I tend not to see him at all unless its the morning time, and that's barely enough time to enjoy together.

If i did nights, we could have dinner and spend a few hours together before I left at 10, and I'd get back after he goes to work, and be able to rest efficiently.

The only downsides are that I might not get the experience I need (being a newer nurse), less admissions to practice doing, and I'd not get time during the daytime to enjoy myself.

Any opinions?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Make a pros and cons lists.

Understand that the grass isn't always greener on the other side- you may get away from your issues with your current shifts but find completely new ones on nights.

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Yeah trust me, the first time I did a night-only shift I had a four-hour emergency to deal with which was amazingly fun. I know a lot of codes and emergencies tend to happen at night. Also aides are impossible to find at times...

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I don't think any of us can help make that decision for you. It sounds like you have made up your mind. If evenings aren't working for you, try nights. Quite honestly you will get more "day time to enjoy yourself" on nights vs pm's. Set an alarm and get up. Or stay up and enjoy the day and then go to bed.

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I don't think any of us can help make that decision for you. It sounds like you have made up your mind. If evenings aren't working for you, try nights. Quite honestly you will get more "day time to enjoy yourself" on nights vs pm's. Set an alarm and get up. Or stay up and enjoy the day and then go to bed.

I'm not looking for anyone to tell me what to do/make a decision for me I just want some input.

Nights are from 10:30pm-6:30 in the morning. I've only been a nurse for like eight months and I just don't want to feel like I'm not trying my hardest.

Everyone wants me to go do more than I want to honestly. I just wanted some advice.

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I'm getting a bit tired of the incivility I have when I do my 8 (usually ends up being 10) hour shifts on evenings.

I also know that we are in desperate need for a night nurse on my rehab unit. We literally have two nurses covering for 50 residents...not safe honestly especially with all the issues going on overnight. Lots of complaints about nurses not giving pain meds...

And it might be better for my and my partner. I tend not to see him at all unless its the morning time, and that's barely enough time to enjoy together.

If i did nights, we could have dinner and spend a few hours together before I left at 10, and I'd get back after he goes to work, and be able to rest efficiently.

The only downsides are that I might not get the experience I need (being a newer nurse), less admissions to practice doing, and I'd not get time during the daytime to enjoy myself.

Any opinions?

Is your facility looking for a night shift person? Are you wanting to go nights to help them out or because you're tired of the evening crew? How does your partner feel about you not being home nights?

Like a PP said you will probably find that nights brings other challenges (than admissions) to keep you busy. And if you're disciplined with your sleep routine you can make sure you have some daytime hours to enjoy.

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I've worked all the shifts and various times during my healthcare career. Evening was, by far, my least favorite. I felt like I missed everything. I was home when my friends were at work. My friends were home when I was at work. I hated it. So I can understand your desire to get off that shift. Good luck with everything!

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

Night shift is way easier than evening shift. Ugh, I never want to go back to evening shift...that is th most toughest shift! When I switched to nigh shift, I found the pace to be a lot more my style. You will constantly be working on night shift but the pace is so much slower than evening shift. I love working night shift. I think it's the best kept secret of ltc facilities

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Do not allow aides to hide. Good luck with whatever choice you take.

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Do not allow aides to hide. Good luck with whatever choice you take.

I've actually had to (sadly) report a few aides for sleeping on shift lately. I've basically decided I am nobody's friend and I am the boss when I am the nurse overnight. I need respect from them as much as I give them but there is a limit to my kindness. When I ask you to get a patient up, or do vitals/weights the aide should do them. Not wait until the last minute then run out the door when I confront them...

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