What shifts do you work? Do you like it?

I was wondering who works 3 12s, who does weekends only,and who does 5 days a week. What is the pro/con of each shift? I am considering 3 12s (nights), I'm a little worried about being able to sleep in the day. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks

[Katnip, RN]

I do 3 12s. I like it, but the days seems to be getting longer. We've been working nonstop lately.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

My mother worked nights for years. This is what she did to help her sleep during the day: She covered the windows of her bedroom with aluminium foil. Her room was pitch black, I kid you not. I took a nap in there once I woke up thinking it was nighttime because it was so dark.

Also, when I worked nights I tried to fit my sleeping in just before going to work. It was like getting up in the morning and going to work. The first night back after having a day or two off is the hardest, but over time you learn how to deal with it and what will work best for you.

[TRINI_RN]

Anyone else?

[Super_RN, BSN, RN]

I work 3 12's, night shift. I like it. No docs, families, or administration to bug me. I don't really have trouble sleeping during the day, it's getting up early morning that kills! The sucky thing is working 12 hours on holidays, but it sure beats working 5 nights a week!

:) Jaime

[NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN]

I absolutely love nights. For me the time goes by faster than days. I also like it because there is not so many people (doctors and family members) running around the hospital at that time. I would never work days again.

[TRINI_RN]

Thank you!!! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer me :)

[bellehill, RN]

I work 3 12's night shift only. I love night shift, more time to focus on the patient. I don't have a problem sleeping during the day but a white noise machine is mandatory. I don't think I could work 5 days a week.

[BandEmom]

i started working full time nocs a couple months ago, and it is not working so great for me. I feel like my life is just upside down, and all I can ever think about is when I get to sleep next, and how many "normal" activities i can sqeeze in with my life goes back into work mode again. I have been trying to drop my hours to part time, and the supervisors have been putting me on call first when they can, but i think I need to switch to PT days at some point here. The sad part is that i actually like the pace and routine of nocs better because it's so quiet. most places are flexible about moving around when things open, so you have to find what's right for you.

[78BugRN]

I prefer 3 12s and prefer nights even more. It always feels like I've got more time to myself. The trick for me is to have the scheduling manager put my shifts together so I'm not switching sleep schedules every day.

[TRINI_RN]

i started working full time nocs a couple months ago, and it is not working so great for me. I feel like my life is just upside down, and all I can ever think about is when I get to sleep next, and how many "normal" activities i can sqeeze in with my life goes back into work mode again. I have been trying to drop my hours to part time, and the supervisors have been putting me on call first when they can, but i think I need to switch to PT days at some point here. The sad part is that i actually like the pace and routine of nocs better because it's so quiet. most places are flexible about moving around when things open, so you have to find what's right for you.

Sorry to hear it's not working out so great. Hopefully you'll get to move around soon.

Bellehill~ What is a white noise machine?

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

I work 10a-10p and I love it. I don't have to get up early, I'm home usually in enough time to see my husband before he goes to bed. I can eat dinner, watch a little TV (study when I'm in school) and get to bed at a pretty decent hour. We also stay VERY busy during that time frame (which is why I'm there) and I like to be busy. Management leaves at 3p, so that's even better - which when I'm in school I work Sat/Sun only, so there is no management anyway :)

Flip side though, I miss out on seeing my son in the evenings and tucking him into bed at night.....BUT I worked 7a-7p before with a 1.5 hour drive to and from work everyday and I missed out on just as much with that job...

Prior to getting into healthcare I worked every shift there was (911 dispatcher) and I was always partial to the 12 hour midday shift......For 2 years I did the management thing and had to work 5-8 hour days per week...YUCK!!!