Successful night shift stories...

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm going to be working nights for at least the first year of my new job in the ER. After reading all of the horror stories on here, I'm skeered :eek:

I know there have to be people out there who are working nights and aren't miserable...right? :o

Specializes in Ortho.

I work nights and love it! It can be hard on the body but after a few weeks you will figure out what works best for you. I agree with what everyone else has said, especially the teamwork seen on nights. I wouldn't trade my co-workers for the world! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

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I work 7 on and 7 off..12 hour night shifts. LOVE IT!!! I have always been a night person. :-)

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Nursing 24/7.

Need I explain more?

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Thanks peeps :D

I am stoked about starting my job, and didn't have negative feelings about nights until I started listening to people who hated nights...and my joy diminished :lol2:

I have a 7yo and a 5yo, and working nights will save me about $400 in before and after school care, plus night diff. I'm nervous about sleeping issues, but hopefully it will work out. Gracias!

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Specializes in CVICU.

My kids are 8 and 10 and I've been working nights since they were 5 and 7. It was PERFECT for someone with small kids. You miss almost nothing because they're in school when you're sleeping. You can see them in the afternoon before you go to work, and see them off to school in the morning. I found it to be much more conducive to a lifestyle involving small children than days would ever be. Imagine if you were working 7a to 7p- you'd leave the house before they even get up for school and likely be home after they were in bed. You'd never see them! This way, it's like you're not even working. They probably go to bed a couple of hours after you leave for work anyway, so they aren't missing you!

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Specializes in ER.
My kids are 8 and 10 and I've been working nights since they were 5 and 7. It was PERFECT for someone with small kids. You miss almost nothing because they're in school when you're sleeping. You can see them in the afternoon before you go to work, and see them off to school in the morning. I found it to be much more conducive to a lifestyle involving small children than days would ever be. Imagine if you were working 7a to 7p- you'd leave the house before they even get up for school and likely be home after they were in bed. You'd never see them! This way, it's like you're not even working. They probably go to bed a couple of hours after you leave for work anyway, so they aren't missing you!

that is a GREAT point. They are going to bed shortly after you are getting to work.... that is a helpful point in deciding to take a night shift.

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At around 4 or 5 am get ready for the chest pain rush. Thats about the time people wake up with chest pain. Atleast in my own little stent in ER nursing.

To add to that note, don't forget the 6am cardiac arrest patient who's probably been pulseless and apneic for a few hours already.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Hospice, Float pool, Med/Peds.

I work 12 hour nights and would not change a thing. I feel like I have more of a life then working days. I am able to see the kids get off the bus and then I make them supper and do homework before I head to work... In the AM, my husband gets them ready for school. This way, I can run and get milk or whatever right after my shift, head home and sleep until the kids get home.

At night, I get more time with the patients too. I can sit and teach, talk with them and family members.

I am able to get by with little sleep, so that helps me. On my nights off, I am able to sleep regularly and it does not take me much to stay up all night...

I just like the close bond with the night shift too...

Good luck.

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I LOVE LOVE LOVE the night shift!!

Better pay, great hours, 3 nights a week. I work while my family is asleep, I see my kids and hubby off in the morning and pick them up from school. More time spent with my family.

Love it!! And, so much fun sometimes... I work in an ER. :)

See, that would work for me.

Riddled with insomnia plenty of nights anyways, & then tend to crash @ a downtime during the day after those nights.

You're working one of my dream jobs - ED night shifts. Congrats on the position, btw. :yeah:

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Thanks everyone. I need this thread right now. I worked nights for 4 years, and then went to days last summer, and now due to a relocation, will be working nights again in a few weeks. I've really been dreading it, and I needed a reminder that it's not all bad! You actually have me kind of looking forward to it, which is crazy!

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Specializes in ER.

I work nights in a level one trauma center and believe me you will not have time to get tired. Nights are always more fun with a more "family" atmosphere

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I didn't ask the question, but I appreciate all the responses! I won't be a nurse until May 2011, but I am hoping to get a night shift position so I can go to grad school while working, if at all possible! Even if I can't do grad school, the night shift is looking up and up!

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