Working nights as a new grad?

[PerkyNurse55]

Hey all!

I just got into a residency program and the way it works is that I follow a preceptor and then transition to a full-time night shift position. This is the way it's done regardless of the department. Just wondering if you guys had an ideas why they would do it this way? I thought that there would be more people around during the day to help a new grad out so days would be better, but then again I have no idea.

Thoughts?

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

If you work inpatient, there are less disruptions at night (no rounds, no PT/OT wanting to work with patients, patients don't go off for tests as often) and there is little more downtime (in the wee morning hours of 2-4am). Teamwork tends to be better at night because there are less resources.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I was told it's too overwhelming to put new grads on day shift by themselves. Many burn out and quit. We still get really busy on night shift and still have patient care to do, but I guess it is a little slower. But it is very difficult on the body to adjust to nights. Right now I'm working one night a week and am honestly nervous when I switch to full time here in a few months. I'm worried about doing it several nights in a row as it can be difficult for me to adjust my sleeping schedule to half being on daylight hours and then the nights I work staying up all night. I love where I'm at right now, but that part scares me.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I know that nocs may be a bit scary because nursing students are not familiar with them, but they're nothing to fear. You may discover that it's a much better working environment than days. In my experience, the night crews are much more collaborative, supportive - and fun. There is a lot less going on, so you have more time to focus on things you need to learn and build your confidence.

You're going to be just fine.