Should I switch to nights for 3 months?

zambezi, BSN, RN · May 8, 2005

I think that if you do it you should definately sign a contract and ask for a 1000-2000 dollar bonus on top of shift differential (we had to ask some of our day shift to do this and they did get a bonus as well as shift diff). It never hurts to ask, right? You could ask if you could do a trial period of nights for three days or so before signing the contract to see if you might be able to do nights for that period...just remember sometimes it takes a few to get into the rhythm...just remember to get your sleep...take a nap before your first night on...eat healthy...get your sleep during the day without interruptions...

fotografe · May 9, 2005

Nights for just 3 months is doable for me. If I go longer than that I really feel it. If you don't have obligations (ie kids) that make getting your sleep diffcult, you might give it a try. As the previous poster said, ask to do it for 3 days to see how it goes. It definitely changes your body rhythm to work nights. I have to really watch what I eat. Taking supplements and eating very well helps. Asking for a bonus sounds good too. You also might want to talk about this with other nurses on your floor. If they don't get someone to take the offer they may force someone to do it. Maybe you could get together with a group that is will to do 2 week rotations among you so no one is on it for that long. Good luck.

I was recently approached by my unit manager who asked me if I wanted to switch from days (3 12-hours shifts) to nights (3 12-hour shifts) for a 3 month period as we are VERY short staffed on nights d/t some staff quitting and/or transferring to other units.
If I accept I will get night differential of $4/hr in addition to another $2/hr incentive to accept the contract. I would sign a contract that says this is only for 3 months and after that period I will return to my day shift position exactly as it was before (same days, same pay, etc.).
I don't think I am a night person, but I really I don't know as I have always worked days...and I am not sure whether to accept this offer or not. The $$ would be nice, but not if it affects my physical/emotional health.
What do you think?
Thanks!

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 9, 2005

For six extra bucks an hour it would be doable for me. For me it was 14 years of nights that did me in, but three months at that kind of money, I would definately think about it. I doubt you'll ruin your physical and mental health in that short amount of time.

Good luck.