Switching to days: Pros and cons

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After 2 years on midnights (7p-7a), my body is telling me it's time to switch to days. I'm naturally a night owl, so in the beginning I thought nights would be ideal for me, but it's taking a toll on my life outside of work. All I want to do on my days off is sleep!

I've stayed on my shift because I love the people I work with (so much so that I came back to this job after a couple months at another hospital where I was miserable) and like that I don't have to deal with families or management much.

I'm interested in hearing others' experiences when they switched to days. Pros and cons? Does the day shift go by quicker? Did you find your quality of life improved?

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I switched to days 6 months ago after 10 years on nights. My family life has greatly improved, which is what is important. My work life is hell.

I love my patients. The families and loved ones of my patients are soul sucking. This last week has been a true test of my professionalism.

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I am a night owl and switched to days. I got my life back. I don't regret it at all. Now I am 8a to 5p m-f and it is hard. In a few months it will be 12 to 8 though. And for the 1st time in 6yrs I have a job I love and is the right niche for me

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Specializes in CV|OR.
I am a night owl and switched to days. I got my life back. I don't regret it at all. Now I am 8a to 5p m-f and it is hard. In a few months it will be 12 to 8 though. And for the 1st time in 6yrs I have a job I love and is the right niche for me

mukluk2, do you mind me asking exactly what your nursing specialty is?

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Day shift is way better. Busier but healthier for you.

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When I worked 3 12's I worked in a medical group home. I started working as a home health nurse a month and a half ago. Once I am more trained I will have to take some weekend's and overnight on call.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I worked mids (11a-11p) for as much of my career as possible. Yes, it is usually crazy-busy in the ER during those hours, but I hate getting up early and I always stay up late. Mids were the best! Now I am going to a Mon-Fri 8-5 educator position, and we'll see how I handle that after a decade of mids. Of course, compared to the deployment stretch that was 24x7 for 284 days in a row, this Mon-Fri deal should be a cinch. :D

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I worked mids (11a-11p) for as much of my career as possible. Yes, it is usually crazy-busy in the ER during those hours, but I hate getting up early and I always stay up late. Mids were the best! Now I am going to a Mon-Fri 8-5 educator position, and we'll see how I handle that after a decade of mids. Of course, compared to the deployment stretch that was 24x7 for 284 days in a row, this Mon-Fri deal should be a cinch. :D

I wish my unit offered the 11-11 shift. That would be ideal for me!

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

I'm a night worker. I switched to days in the hospital when I got married (a long time ago), but it didn't work out. Part of the problem was the high stress, but much of it was because I just wasn't used to being awake days.

I was stumbling and tripping over shadows at 2pm, and the daytime workers just didn't understand.

Be sure you allow the time you need to switch your schedule.

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