Work Schedule

[2bnurseguy_2005]

I am seriously looking into a nursing ADN program. I have a Bachelor degree and work in IT on the night shift which is a big challenge for me since I am young and like to socialize.

The thing is, with nursing, I see alot of jobs that require overnite shifts like 7p-7a or 11p-7p ..etc.

This is really the only thing about getting into nursing I am reluctant about. It seems there are more jobs out there that are overnite as opposed to day shift jobs. I could care less about the shift differential pay as well for nite.

What do you think? Is this something to worry about or as a graduate when I complete my degree for an RN, will I have a good chance of landing a day shift position?

I am not a big fan of the night shift , bc it takes on a new lifestyle you have to adjust to.

Thanks

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I think it's the luck of the draw when you apply. Right now our unit does not have any day shifts and the new grads if they want to work here have to go to night shift. I got a day shift four months after I asked when someone quit. I think if you're persistant about working days, if you don't get it on hire, then eventually you'll get it. If you're not particular about where you work and are flexible then you stand a better chance.

Good luck. Lots of new grads get day shift right right out of school. Don't let that be a hinderence. Good luck.

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

Overnight shifts in nursing aren't as bad as in other jobs - many of us just do 3 12-hour night shifts a week, and have four whole days off.

That's 156 nights working, 208 nights OFF a year.

Pretty good odds.

You'll have plenty of time to socialize.

ETA: Working days does NOT equal great social life. You'll have to get up at 5am on the days that you work. What kind of socializing can you do if you have to be in bed at 9pm? Days is not the perfect shift either!