Torn by decision

Published

Specializes in Cardiothoracic Transplant Telemetry.

Sooo... some of you may remember that I have been having headaches. Several weeks ago I had an MRI and a scare that was thankfully false for tumor. I did have a few very bad days about that one. Anyhoo, the current theory from the neurologist is that I am suffering from the mother of all atypical migraine variants. 6 weeks and counting. I have been started on supression therapy, and am just waiting for it to kick in. I have also been referred to a ENT doc to see if maybe there is a sinus element to the issue, though most of the pain is occipital in nature. In the meantime I am trying to look for things that can be causing or making the headaches worse.

In October I took a medical leave to have a minor elective surgery. I was having headaches before I left for the surgery, and the current headache hit me the moment that I came back to the floor. I could come to the conclusion that I am allergic to my job- but I am not yet ready to go that far- or I could come to the conclusion that maybe, just maybe I have hit the wall on night shift.

I have always been a tried and true nightshifter- thus the allnurse handle. I like that most of the family has gone home, the doctors have left for the day, and that I can actually find my charts. I may not have the supportive staff that the day shift has, but I don't have to trip over that staff either. The quieter atmosphere allows me the time to actually sit with my patients once in a while and do a little teaching, find out their fears and allay them if I can, and decipher the progress notes so that I can let the next nurse know what the plan is.

If all of the above are not good enough reasons to want to stay on night shift, there is the financial incentive, and it is not a small one. When you actually break down what a night shift differential comes to in a month and a year, it is a hard amount of money to give up- the car I bought while in nursing school was less. On top of that I would have to be at work at 7am. Needless to say, I am not, repeat not a morning person.

So why am I considering this move? Why would I want to be a tired poor nurse who spends her miserable days tripping over cardiologists for less money?

Because. Maybe. The. Headaches. Would. Go. The. %^&%^/. Away.

Oh, and maybe I would be able to get a date one of these days.

So what do all of you think? I have to let my manager know tomorrow. I mainly wrote it all out so that I could have it all out on paper, but any input is greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Dear Nightcrawler, I was very moved by your post. I don't think I can offer any insight that would help with such a difficult personal decision but I wanted you to know that we are out hear listening. While you must be relieved that you don't have a tumor the ongoing headaches must be maddening, having to give nights must be a difficult decision, a nurse that functions well on nights is truly a rare and special breed. Is there any possibility of trying days temporarily to see if it helps or do you have to quit outright? Please let us know how you are faring and you will be in my prayers tonight. Best of luck and take care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical Surgical.

Yes, I agree with loriangel14. The fact that you think it may be the night shifts makes me encourage you to give a different shift a try. Could you ask for a month of the day shift? Evenings might be a whole lot better for you, but I don't know if that's a possibility for your facility.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiothoracic Transplant Telemetry.
Yes, I agree with loriangel14. The fact that you think it may be the night shifts makes me encourage you to give a different shift a try. Could you ask for a month of the day shift? Evenings might be a whole lot better for you, but I don't know if that's a possibility for your facility.

Nope, 12 hour shifts only. I explored the idea of trying days for a month or two, but my manager wants me to give it at least 6 months to adjust to the change. Yick

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in rehab, long-term care, ortho.

Did you ever explore muscle or nerve involvement, particularly in your neck, for bringing on your headaches? Have you ever seen a chiropractor?

I hope you find a solution...migraines are just horrible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I worked nights for over 20 years and I was tired all of the time. I think I was used to being tired. I wanted a change and went to days. Although days is much more hectic, I feel better and am less tired.

If you have been working nights for quite awhile you may think you are a night person but after a while I am sure you will find that you feel better on days. It took me quite awhile to get used to being awake at 10 am but it was worth it.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiothoracic Transplant Telemetry.
Did you ever explore muscle or nerve involvement, particularly in your neck, for bringing on your headaches? Have you ever seen a chiropractor?

I hope you find a solution...migraines are just horrible.

I have been having these headaches for years and always thought that they were tension headaches. Of late they have been much worse, more one sided and associated with some facial numbness. Much more indicative of migraine. Also, no meds work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiothoracic Transplant Telemetry.
I worked nights for over 20 years and I was tired all of the time. I think I was used to being tired. I wanted a change and went to days. Although days is much more hectic, I feel better and am less tired.

If you have been working nights for quite awhile you may think you are a night person but after a while I am sure you will find that you feel better on days. It took me quite awhile to get used to being awake at 10 am but it was worth it.

Good luck.

I keep waiting for all of the people to tell me I am crazy to consider it. Didn't anyone read my post? Even I didn't think that I made the move sound very fun! I know that I have probably made the decision, but I can't believe that I am actually going to do it. I have always been the one to try to talk people out of wanting to go to days.

I didn't even ask when the move was to happen. I am assuming that it would be with the next schedule, which starts the week after next....no time to back out I guess.

I want to thank all of you for your encouragement. I feel as if I am crawling out of my small dark hole into the blinding light...... I wonder what I should change my username to?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

My father and my brothers all get cluster headaches, where they can go completely blind, and the only thing they can do is hide under the covers with all the curtains shut until it goes away. I must not have inherited that gene, because I have never KNOCK ON WOOD had one. But having seen what they go through, I think if there is any chance that your headaches are related to your sleep/wake cycle, I think it's a smart move on your part to switch shifts.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

Ugh, I had to do days for 1.5 months when I was on orientation. I *hated* it. I never felt awake until after at least 1200. I always felt as if it were possible to make a huge med error or something during that time. In addition, I have always had problems sleeping during the night, but I rarely have those problems if I sleep during the day. Now that I'm on nights again, I feel sooooooo much better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiothoracic Transplant Telemetry.
Ugh, I had to do days for 1.5 months when I was on orientation. I *hated* it. I never felt awake until after at least 1200. I always felt as if it were possible to make a huge med error or something during that time. In addition, I have always had problems sleeping during the night, but I rarely have those problems if I sleep during the day. Now that I'm on nights again, I feel sooooooo much better.

Ahh, and that is what I am afraid of. I have always been the biggest nightshift cheerleader imaginable, and have turned down dayshift positions numerous times. On the other hand, if there is even the slightest chance that the shift is causing the headaches, then I am outa there

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, ICU.

I can understand how you are torn. I get migraines, but I have never had one that lasted longer than 3 days. I also work night shift and have wondered about the involvement of my sleep cycle to the migraines. I like the nights, but if I found a day position and could possibly minimize the number of headaches I get I would switch.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion