I'm worried about being a new graduate nurse in the upcoming future. I've heard many times that new graduates have to work the night shifts. I would much rather work 60 hour weeks than work a night shift. It is just not in my nature to be up late at night. No matter how hard I try, I am just not a night person. And when I think about it, that will put my patients at risk. I won't be on my feet as well as I would during the day shift, and I could easily make mistakes. So is it as true as everyone makes it out to be, that as a new nurse I HAVE TO work night shifts? thanks
Katie
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November 14th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
As a new nurse, I work days. It is totally possible to work days, it just depends on where you work.
When I was in nursing school I thought I would hate nights too and I thought the same exact things you mentioned and then I was required to do 2 rotations on nights, which I thought was awful before it started and I was actually REALLY surprised at how much I liked it. It was neat to be awake when everyone else was sleeping and looking out the hospital windows at night into the medical center (Im in Houston) was breathtaking! You could see all the hospitals lit up and it felt inspirational to know there were so many people out there still working at night to take care of patients. Nights are a little slower so you might actually be less likely to make mistakes.
Long story short, “don’t knock it until you try it” and to answer your question, no, not all new grads HAVE to work nights!
November 15th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
If you interview for a certain position, just say what you are wanting shift wise. I came out of college and did straight evenings, which wasnt ideal but still not nights. I know I could never do straight overnights either, I did do a couple when I wanted to help them out but they are brutal to your body and sleep schedule. Try not to worry, you’ve got enough to think about with boards! God bless 🙂
November 17th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
No, you do NOT have to work nights. I am a relatively new grad…a year and a half now. Nights are usually more abundant d/t the fact no one wants to work them…but you have choices…Good luck with your career.
November 17th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I graduated in December 07 and worked straight days. It is possible and you have an opportunity to experience and learn more on days (procedures, new orders, etc). I just went to nights by choice because I was tired of running my butt off all day long and having to stay after the shift to finish the charting. Now, I don’t get to see procedures, but I do have an opportunity to look at my patients chart, chart, and get out of work on time.
So, I personally like nights better, but there are pros to both.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Well it is possible to work night shift as a new grad but most places give their open day shift positions to their current staff. If no one wants it, then it usually becomes available to the public. As for working night shift, and I’ve worked all shifts, the money can be a nice bonus. You might not think you’re a night person now, but it you get into the routine, it becomes normal to you. You may miss out on SOME oppotunities, but you can learn from the other nurses how to assess, plan, and treat your patients without the doctor being THAT available. You have to be able to relay info on the phone to a doctor who isn’t in the facility, rely on your skills til they get there, and problem solve without some right there to give you the answer. It really helps in the future when you become a charge nurse, a supervisor, a director, or take a job that’s more challenging. Don’t knock night shift until you try it.
November 19th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Thanks yall!