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Discussion

Would you work 5 nights a week?

Any night nurses out there? I'm interviewing for a hospital today that starts new grads on 8 hr shifts, 5 nights a week. It's the specialty area that I really want, but I was sort of looking forward to only working 3 days! On the other hand, I think 5 nights might be better for my body, because it's a more regular sleep/wake cycle. Thoughts? Advice??? :)

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I work five nights a week at the moment. I have to be honest it is tough at first. I would rather do four ten hour shifts, so I have the extra day to recover. I hope they are giving you one day off during the weekdays. I have found that having that one day can make a big difference for things you can only do during regular buisness hours, ie doctor's appointments, errands, ect..

It takes a special breed of nurse's to work nights. Just remember to take care of yourself, so you can give the best care you can to your patients. Sometimes that can be hard on nights, because you are working against everything your body is used to.

Working nights is tough. The only thing better about working 11-7 instead of 7-7 is that you can get several hours of good sleep (when it's dark outside) before you go to work :nurse:

  • Expert

I've done it and it was no big deal. As you state, the important thing is to stay on a regular, steady schedule and not keep trying to switch back and forth between days and nights.

My larger concern, though, would be whether you will have other, more experienced RNs around to advise and assist you, or will you be by yourself on "your" unit at night? Many facilities like to put new grads on nights because it's (often) the toughest shift to staff, but, IMHO, it's a big mistake to put (or agree to be :)) a new grad all by her/himself without experienced RNs around to advise/support/assist. (That's true for any shift, but it's a lot less likely that you'd be the only RN on days or evenings.)

  • Expert

Back in the Dark Ages, when I was a new grad ... 8-hour shifts were the standard and most new grads started on permanent nights. I did and it was fine. In fact, I think the 8-hour shifts are easier and healthier because you get sufficient time to drive home, sleep, etc. to stay rested. You even get a few hours each day to socialize or be with your family when you work 8-hour shifts.

With 12-hour shifts, all you do is work and sleep those days -- so, you get more exhausted and need days off to recover and see your family. With 8-hour shifts, your body is less tired, you get enough sleep, and you have a few hours each day for relaxation and enjoyment. You don't need as many days off per week to recover.

I worked 5 8-hour nights for many years and liked it fine because of what you said, it's a consistent sleep wake-cycle. I would still choose 3 12's but it wasn't until I switched to 12-hour shifts that I started physically having a hard time with nights.

Good luck.

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