What shift was your first job?

Nurse2B2005 · Jul 22, 2005

Ive been looking through these messages and im getting a little discouraged. About the horrible working conditions for nurses, especially new ones. That most can only get second or third shift positions to start out. Is that true? Have your experiences as a new nurse been mostly positive or negative? What type of setting do you believe is the best for a new nurse?

I just started work and am only 2 weeks into the job, so I don't have much to complain about yet :chuckle But, I was hired for swing shift, and that was what I requested. I am in a 6 month orientation program and orienting on the day shift for 6 months, and then I move to swings, which I can't wait for, since I am not a morning person. I would say that half of our new grads (out of 45) were hired for days, the rest swings and nights. I don't know of anyone that got a shift they didn't want. As for the working conditions, I think I am very lucky to be in a 6 month orientation. Everyone is very supportive so far - but as nursing goes, I am anticipating some good days and bad days. Best of luck to you!

allnurses Guide · Jul 22, 2005

My first shift is and was 3 a.m to 3 p.m.

I work part-time. :)

I'll never work full time again.

steph

chicagrl72 · Jul 22, 2005

My first shift is and was 3 a.m to 3 p.m.
I work part-time. :)
I'll never work full time again.
steph

how many hours is considered part time? i am talking about hospital shifts

I thinks your hours sound awesome btw

leslee

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2005

While in nursing school I worked part time, 3p-11p. It went well with my morning classes.

As a new grad I did 3p-11p and 7p-7a. We self-scheduled & 40 hours was full-time. So I would work two evenings & two nights per week. I loved it because I was hired into a great CCU with exceptional nurses. They didn't coddle me, but I knew my back was always covered.

Best night shifts I ever worked were 5p-5a in a trauma center. I'd get home before the sun came up & always got a good "night" sleep!

Super_RN, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2005

I was hired for a float shift, but worked mostly days. I gave that up for 7p-7a, 3 nights a week. Considered full time and love the shift. I work with great staff and wouldn't have it any other way. I love the shift--no administration, no families (usually), not as much piddly things going on.

:balloons: Jaime

MedSurgeMess · Jul 23, 2005

Amen.............6p-6a where I work. I know a lot of new nurses not happy to work nights, I had one tell me it messed up her social life! In our area, everyone starts out nights unless you are extremely lucky and know someone. I love nights-no suits, docs, or hassels!

grinnurse, RN · Jul 23, 2005

To me I got extremely lucky with the shift that I got. I had always heard that starting out on nights was best for a new grad such as myself b/c of less suits, family, docs, etc. But I am not a night person and I couldn't work nights b/c I have 2 young children and a husband that drives a truck all over the west coast and I am here in Texas. I work 7a-7p averg. 84 hs Q2wks and love it. I have only been doing it for 7 weeks now and have adjusted pretty much to it and am not sleeping all the time on my days off. I was the only grad that applied to this rural hospital and just lucked out.

It gets a little wild at times w/everyone needing something from you at once, but I love it b/c it is so busy, time flys by and b/f I know it, it's off time!!

Good luck getting the shift that is right for you.

cameleon · Jul 23, 2005

Try not to get discouraged. do what u have to do and as long as your happy with what your doing.If you're a new grad. i reccomemnd working day/evening shift. alot goes on during the days, like assisiting doctors with a chest tube insertion or thoracentesis and other minor procedures that can be done at the bedside. That is an advantage to learn new techniques etc. I have worked all shifts. Days when i use to work in a clinic setting and now back to nights. I prefer nights simply because i'm a night owl. Furthermore it's less stress. I concur with the other night nurses. No suits,doctors, and family members during the night. I have alot of respect for people working days and evenings. I think they deserve some type of bonus at the end of the physical year to put up with alot of stuff- to put it mildly. i couldn't work days, i wouldn't be able to focus , too much chaos. I need my shift differential being a single parent to a teenage girl. So u see people work different schedules for different reasons. good luck on whatever u decide.

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Jul 25, 2005

Hi, I'm a new RN & I just started my job today. I'm working 24 hours/week on a med-surg/tele floor from 3-11 PM. I wanted either 1st or 2nd shift, so I'm fine with 3-11. However, I wanted to work full-time, so hopefully I can pick up some more hours! (Although while i'm orienting now for the first 12 weeks I will be doing 40 hours/week!) :)

Denham0607 · Jul 25, 2005

I am a new grad and am fortunate to have recieved a day shift. I am working 7a-7p on a cardiac unit. For the most part my friends all went to specialty areas and of course are not able to get the desired areas. ER is either 11a-11p or 3p-3a at best as is L&D. Good luck and to all that do their senior practicum a day shift is easy to swing if you stay on that unit because they know you and usually want to keep you.

witnurse · Jul 26, 2005

My first job as a nurse was 11p to 7a 5 nights a week. It was a very busy general surgical floor. We had a neat variety from gyn to ortho to bellies etc.I had an excellent charge nurse who was my mentor and I looked forward to going to work every night. I was so excited to be working as a nurse!! I broke my ankle and only missed 1 week of work because I begged for a walking cast so I could get back to work. Ah to be young again. I stayed on nights for 13 years. The last few years of nights I did 7p to 7a. My husband wanted me to change to days when I had enough seniority. I can't say I didn't like sleeping at night but I found 12's so long!!3 meals, families, so many people. Others love them though. Don't be discouraged. You will find your way.

Eeyore