What is the better shift? Would you rather work night shift or day shift? Curious :)

rn/writer, RN · Jun 3, 2011

I greatly prefer nights. DH (not a nurse) also works third shift, so that's a plus. Our kids are grown, and we both are night owls by nature. The shift differentials don't hurt, either.

Every place I've ever worked, the noc shift bunch has been pretty cool. We bring treats, help each other out more than folks on the other shifts do, and like staying off the radar.

I'd be a wreck if I had to work days, but that's just me. Do whatever works for you.

carl5480 · Jun 3, 2011

I've worked night and day shifts, and I'm going to have to say days, mostly because it's AWFUL to have to deal with the outside world when you are a night shifter. I could never flip back and forth to days on my time off and nights when I work like some people can. And people can never seem to get that calling you at 1 pm is the equivalent of them being called at 1 am. Plus I hated waking the docs up at night for minor things like Tylenol. Also, you have more interaction with patients during the day, and I feel like I do a lot more for them other than just pass meds.

Then again, the pay for nights is better, and you definitely are more of a team. You generally have more downtime.

They both have ups and downs, so it totally depends on the nurse.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2011

Evening shift, the best of both worlds. Now I work 12 hr shifts, so I prefer days. I'm not a late night person, but more of an early riser.

I like the busy day shift with the support. Just because there are dr's and such running around doesnt mean I don't use my critical thinking skills. Night or day, dr's hate to be bothered with stupid questions.

rn/writer, RN · Jun 3, 2011

Let me add to my previous post that if you work noc shift, it's fantastic to be at a teaching hospital with residents available 24/7. We very rarely have to call an attending at night. That's really a plus.

itsmejuli · Jun 3, 2011

I'm generally up around 7am and useless after 11pm. So working days and eves works best for me.

So OP, you're not going to know until you try all the shifts :)

mystory, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2011

I'd take either over these evening 3-11 shifts! Oh when will psych evolve into 12 hour shifts?

0402 · Jun 3, 2011

I'm supposed to rotate, but I have been working straight nights for several months now (at my own request). I am very appreciative that my boss is allowing me to do so. It is hard, at times, but it works best for me and my family. Sometimes, I get home from work and I can't go to bed because I have to do something with/ for one of the kids, but at the same time, I'm home to do it, so I just try to make sure I figure out a way to get my sleep, some how. I like night shift for personal reasons, as well as those mentioned by many others. I'm at a teaching hospital, so we always have an in-house cover at night.

RNperdiem, RN · Jun 3, 2011

Days.

I sleep so much better at night, and am in synch with the rest of the world. Don't underestimate what long term sleep deprivation does do a person.

tikilpn2 · Jun 3, 2011

Thanks for all of the feedback! Looks like night shift is winning this race!:yelclap:

rn/writer, RN · Jun 3, 2011

Just remember--night shift only works if it works for you. Some people have a terrible time adjusting and frequently go on short sleep. That can take a terrible toll if it goes on too long. Others, like me and dh, would have the same difficulty getting used to days. We have also learned how to protect our sleep and are happy to "educate" anyone who doesn't respect our sleep schedule.

There used to be some scary studies that talked about health problems associated with working nights. Additional research found that the fallout occurred mainly with people who worked night shift unwillingly or who worked rotating shifts. Those who work only nights and do so happily didn't appear to suffer the ill effects.

The absolute worst schedule in my mind is one that changes all the time, alternating days, PMs and nights. Your body can't get used to any dependable timetable and that wreaks far more havoc than straight nights.

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 3, 2011

night shift, pay, less supervision, chiller co-workers, more hanging out.

Ditto!

prinsessa · Jun 3, 2011

There are pluses and minuses for both shifts. For me 3-11 was the worst. More admissions, never see your family, sleep schedule is always messed up and I never got out before 1 or 2 am anyway. It is difficult to get enough sleep working 11-7 but your job is less stressful. One thing that always scared me is that it is difficult to tell how your patients are doing when they are sleeping. Sometimes I just stand in someones room for 5 mins just to make sure they are still breathing. I have heard stories of nurses finding patients hours after they have died.