What shift?

LittleWing21, RN · Mar 27, 2009

Hey there!

Congrats on the job! If possible, I would recommend orienting on both days and nights. That's the best way to get a feel for it. I also think it helps you have a better understanding and appreciation of the nurse ahead of/behind you.

On my floor, I find the night nurses to be much kinder and less neurotic!!! They are always willing to help. Some people say you learn more on days, but I found the opposite to be true. I have more time at night to actually figure out the "why" of what I'm doing (but on the downside, you don't have any docs around to explain the pt's treatment plan either!!) And you do have more time for you patients...but beware, some get a lil ***** about wanting to be left alone so they can sleep!!!

Are you a night person? Are you able to adjust your sleep schedule easily? Things like that will matter to when deciding which shift to choose.

chicookie, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2009

It depends on the unit you work at. For example night shift where I am at have to put in orders themselves, change out paper work, do all am blood draws, etc.

Yet day shift does all dressing changes, baths, deal with doctors,pt, ot, etc.

Either way its hard. I think I like days better. Night shift messes up my sleep cycle.

Nurseismade RN · Mar 29, 2009

Hi everyone, I am not a new grad yet, but will be in May and just accepted my first job :). I am in a great new grad program where we get to pick what shift we want and I was wondering which shift you think is best for new grads. I have done both through nursing school and am open to any opinions. I know some say that you get to see more on day shift, but night shift you may have time to actually sit down and learn more about your patients. Any opinions are welcomed!

I think 3-11pm shift would be good. That's the shift I chose as you get to see and do everything. Plus you get a differential and sleep late if you want.... :yeah:

NeoNurseTX, RN · Mar 29, 2009

I think 3-11pm shift would be good. That's the shift I chose as you get to see and do everything. Plus you get a differential and sleep late if you want....

This sounds like a 5 day a week thing. I did M-F 3p-11p for a summer and it was AWFUL. By the time you get home, it's too late to do anything and then you end up having to sleep in since you got home late.. my social life went down the drain. I've done days and nights, too, and days is great for keeping a normal rhythm, but it's very busy. Nights..I still have a social life and it's more laid back. Shift diff is nice, too. :)