When would be a good time??

[superlivyRN]

When would it be a good time to request to switch shifts?

I'm currently working NOC shift(11-7) at a SNF/Rehab. I've only been working there about 1 and a half months now, I'm a new grad. So far, I think I have the hang of all the routine things that we need to do, but of course I haven't had many emergencies happen to me.

Anyway, ideally, I want to work AM shift(7-3), just because the hours are so much better for me. I'm wondering if I should wait a bit to tell management that I'm interested in switching to days? Maybe wait until I hit the 3 month mark? I feel that NOC shift will never be able to stand out because management is never there to see how we work.

Just a side note: another new grad that started the same time as me on PM shift was already asked to start doing AM shifts over the weekends.

Side note #2: I don't know if this makes a difference. but I'm an RN. During NOC, I'm the only RN in the building with two other LVNs. If I were to move to AMs, they would have to hire another RN to replace me on NOCs (more money for the facility because RNs get paid more).

Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated!! THANK YOU!!!

[Mom of Diskids]

I'm from the school of "If you don't ask, you'll never know...":) Just word it in a non-threatening way. Something like "Hey, is there any way I could work day shift instead of night shift?" And if the answer is "NO" say "well, if something opens up, I would be interested!" Big smile, happy face, no one gets hurt.......LOL! Now, further down the road, if they keep filling day shift positions and night shift is becoming too much, you may want to be a bit more aggressive in your approach. But you'll never know unless you ask!!!

PS---As it turns out, I just finished penning a note to my DON about switching my hours, and I've only been employed there about a month, too!!! My situation is a bit different than yours, but I thought it was a coincidence that I stumbled upon this post!

[MelisRN]

I agree you should definetly ask. That way if something happens and an opening becomes available for days they will go to you first before asking the public. It's not disrespectful. You are a new nurse, you have learned now that you would function better on days. Thats all I would tell them and ask them to keep you in mind if anything changes!! Good luck!

[IdrilRN, BSN, RN]

No harm in asking for a transfer to another shift. As far as not standing out or standing out on the night shft, granted they are not there to see you work, but they know if all your work is done, the documentation is done and the bajillion forms are all filled out if there is a skin tear or some other skin issue you find. As they don't have to follow up with you or just do it themselves.

that said, one place I worked was very strict on changing shifts, you put your request in and then if one opened you were able to switch if it was your turn. We just had to wait.

[Amanda.RN]

They can't read your mind, so if you don't tell them you're interested, they don't know. I would talk with them ASAP. Good luck!! :)