Should I start out on night shift?

BSN_to_ICU · Apr 28, 2017

I got 5 job offers, 4 for nights and 1 for days for new grad positions. I ended up taking one of the night shift offers. I felt like I was most supported by other staff, the manager knew her stuff, and that said if I was someone that couldn't handle nights (who know, I'm a new grad), then she would change me to days. Take what you can get, but don't take a job JUST because it is a day shift offer either.

chacha82, ADN, BSN · Apr 28, 2017

If you are offered a full-time position at a facility you like and it is on nights, yes, accept it. Especially if you are interested in that type of nursing!

foggnm · Apr 28, 2017

If you have the option and you don't want to work at nights, then no. Learning wise being on days as a new nurse is better. It is typically much busier and you learn more about patient discharge, care planning, procedures, etc. Things are more typically done 'by the book' during the day since management is around, so you learn policy. I can see no advantage to nights unless you actually enjoy night shift. I have heard a few new nurses say they like the slower pace of nights, which is fine. Really depends on your personality and what you want over the next few years.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Apr 28, 2017

If you have the option and you don't want to work at nights, then no. Learning wise being on days as a new nurse is better. It is typically much busier and you learn more about patient discharge, care planning, procedures, etc. Things are more typically done 'by the book' during the day since management is around, so you learn policy. I can see no advantage to nights unless you actually enjoy night shift. I have heard a few new nurses say they like the slower pace of nights, which is fine. Really depends on your personality and what you want over the next few years.

Exactly! I have done both. I oriented as a new grad on nights on a pediatric burn/step down and reg. peds unit. Then I switched to the ER and had only been a new grad for 4-5 months but they didn't consider me a new grad. I started on days.

Night shift was great for many reasons, but at the end of the day I felt like I saw and learned a lot more on day shift. I've worked in many hospitals and all shifts (in ER we have mid shifts as well) and it's been the same as far as learning is concerned. That's what I am speaking on, strictly the learning experience between the 2 shifts.

That said I am the type of learner that likes to just jump in. I like my preceptor to be tough and honest and I rather be pushed and allowed to start to drown, but not sink. That's what I had when I oriented in the ER. I knew my preceptor wouldn't let me drown but she would let me come close and I learned so much from it.

CCU BSN RN · Apr 28, 2017

This is a highly personal decision, so, YOU have to decide.

Night Shift:

Pros: Less busy, Fewer interruptions, Fewer tests/diagnostic imaging/field trips, Fewer consulting MDs present all asking you questions and having different priorities, Fewer PT/OT/family member/meals/housekeeping/bathing shenanigans. Staffing is less but in theory, in an ideal world, some of your patients will be sleeping and not want to be disturbed, plenty of time to read chart/orders, more relaxed learning environment, less help means you get put in senior roles earlier in your career, so you might be stressed but you'll become competent at an exponentially faster rate

Cons: Decreased mental acuity, permanently messed up sleep schedule, early demise (if you believe the research), hard to get attention for patients routine concerns with cross-covering MDs, feeling like all you ever do is sleep and work, etc.

Day Shift

Pros: Happens during the day, normal sleep schedule, actually cognizant of having 4 days off a week. Needs lots of coffee but doesn't feel like a zombie. You can get so much accomplished for patients in terms of developing a plan, getting the orders you need, facilitating interdepartmental communication: and when that all goes off without a hitch (rare), it is an AMAZING feeling. You are superwoman. YOU made a difference.

Cons: Coveted positions, must develop high tolerance for BS, high tolerance for family members and their educational/emotional needs, must deal with glucose checks, insulins, and making sure everyone doesn't need a 5th dinner tray because she didn't like the first 4 meals she chose tonight.

Overall, it's about which of the above sound more appealing to you. It takes all kinds.

Workitinurfava, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2017

If you have to take it to get a job, do so. Just get your foot in the door. If you just can't hang after 6 months ask for days or apply elsewhere for a day shift position.