Hi everyone, I would just like some input from those who have more experience than I do.
I am a new RN and started my job in January. I was hired in Dec. for a night position on a pedi floor, which is exactly what I wanted. I have never been the type to get up and go to bed early, I am still young (23), and most of my friends are working nights. I am also planning on going back to school this summer. The money on nights is better, its a difference of about $4000-5000 per year.
I have to orient on the day shift and Thursday should be my last day shift, then I go to nights. Today my nurse manager called me and asked, "How would you like to stay on days?"
I said I would have to think about it. Last week there were two girls who were on the waiting list to go to days, waiting for me to get out of orientation, and now all of the sudden they don't want to.
I have become a pretty good "day person" the last few weeks, but I just feel like I am so boring! I come home, eat, and sleep. I cant ever stay out late. Besides that, the day schedule is pretty much set whereas the night schedule is flexible because they are all in school.
I want to be a team player and be flexible, but within reason. It is frustrating to be asked about it at this point, and I don't want to be a pushover. I am totally new to nursing and to this nurse manager (who is well known and very liked within the hospital) so I would really appreciate any input!
day shift often has more experienced nurses that can mentor you, (not there aren't experienced nurses on nights but there tend to be more on days), You will know your managers and therefore have more opportunity to request days off, extra days or what ever. On your days off you'll wake up at a normal time and be able to do stuff during business hours.
Cons:
On day shifts there are allot of doctors and administration around, even when its not busy it feels like it is because there are so many people around. They get in the way, you can't talk to your coworkers because someone will overhear, you have to get up at the crack of dawn, even on your days off you feel like an old person because you are tired at 8pm and in bed by 10.
Nights,
Pro's
Most night nurses are going to be around your age. Most units have a few veterans that stick to nights and can teach you allot, at night there aren't allot of people there to get under your feet. Sometimes you have more time to do the little extra things for patients you couldn't do on days, night shift nurses tend to work as a team and get to know each other better, Your awake at night so when your off you can stay out all night. more money
Cons:
Some departments like sterile processing or dietary shut down at night so it can be frustrating to get things you need, you won't know your manager very well and they won't know you, You get tired and I mean really tired allot, some days you wont be able to sleep and then you'll have to go back to work like a zombie, people won't understand that you work nights and will think you are lazy because you sleep all day (it's funny they just don't get it), managers aren't there at night so they think less about short staffing.
I know that doesn't cover it all but hose are some things I've noticed.
I work nights and I like it. At your age I'd say it's probably a good place to start. I don't think you manager would be upset if you said you wanted to go to nights. I think they must like you and wanted to give you the choice as days is seen as the better shift. Just take it a a complement and tell them what you really want.
Why not tell her you would like to continue your orientation on nights so you have a feel for both shifts and will let her know. There is no reason to make a decision without being exposed to both your options, and perhaps the night people will be more forthcoming about unit politics. It would be interesting to know why no one is jumping at the chance to go to days.
But from my point of view you have more time at night to ask questions of your coworkers, look up policies and just generally double check yourself. I spent my new grad year shifting from nights to days and learned more on nights when I had time to think.
If you are being offered a day position so soon it is likely that another day spot will be available later on...do what you think is right for YOU.
Thanks so much for all of the replies!! I really needed other points of view. Even though they are all different, they are helpful.
When I was hired, she said she only "needed" me for nights, like that was it if I wanted the job, and I could request to go to days later if I wanted. So, I am thinking of telling her that I have been anticipating the schedule and the extra money made on nights, and that I will work days IF they will still be flexible with my school schedule when I go back this summer. There are several part time RNs/LVNs that fill in on days so hopefully that will be a "yes". I'm not afraid to tell her no, I do want her to view me as mature and willing to help.
I realize this may seem like a trivial thing, which shift to work. Its just that I have made so many big decisions lately. I was going to move back home, 350 miles away, but instead stayed here, which took me forever to decide! Then there is stuff in my personal life I have had to deal with, a boyfriend, and friends who I am not really sure if they are true friends anymore. I am just ready for a break from life but thats not realistic..............another decision to make totally caught me off guard. And I dont have my parents to decide things for me anymore, I have to do it myself.
Thats where Im coming from, sorry if all of this was TMI and thanks for the replies.
Dayray, RN
700 Posts
Days and nights both have there pros and cons.
Days,
Pro's:
day shift often has more experienced nurses that can mentor you, (not there aren't experienced nurses on nights but there tend to be more on days), You will know your managers and therefore have more opportunity to request days off, extra days or what ever. On your days off you'll wake up at a normal time and be able to do stuff during business hours.
Cons:
On day shifts there are allot of doctors and administration around, even when its not busy it feels like it is because there are so many people around. They get in the way, you can't talk to your coworkers because someone will overhear, you have to get up at the crack of dawn, even on your days off you feel like an old person because you are tired at 8pm and in bed by 10.
Nights,
Pro's
Most night nurses are going to be around your age. Most units have a few veterans that stick to nights and can teach you allot, at night there aren't allot of people there to get under your feet. Sometimes you have more time to do the little extra things for patients you couldn't do on days, night shift nurses tend to work as a team and get to know each other better, Your awake at night so when your off you can stay out all night. more money
Cons:
Some departments like sterile processing or dietary shut down at night so it can be frustrating to get things you need, you won't know your manager very well and they won't know you, You get tired and I mean really tired allot, some days you wont be able to sleep and then you'll have to go back to work like a zombie, people won't understand that you work nights and will think you are lazy because you sleep all day (it's funny they just don't get it), managers aren't there at night so they think less about short staffing.
I know that doesn't cover it all but hose are some things I've noticed.
I work nights and I like it. At your age I'd say it's probably a good place to start. I don't think you manager would be upset if you said you wanted to go to nights. I think they must like you and wanted to give you the choice as days is seen as the better shift. Just take it a a complement and tell them what you really want.