We’ve all heard it. The countless debates about which shift is better. Well, my good people, I’m here to tell you the truth (well, the truth according to me.) They both have their problems. I mean, this really shouldn’t even be a debate. This is merely a matter of personal preference, and the only way you will truly know which you prefer, is to work both. There is also a whole list of other factors to consider when making this decision: the people you work with on either shift, the facility in which you work, the expectations of management, etc. There is no perfect answer to this question.
I can, however, give my personal opinion about the pro’s and con’s of both. The following are the top 3 reasons (positive and negative) that I have compiled from my experience working both shifts.
Day Shift Pro’s
- You get to remain a normal, happy, healthy (hopefully) human being.
Ok. This one is simple. You’re up when most people are up, and asleep when most people are asleep. Your circadian rhythm remains intact and you don’t have to invest in those practical, but not so chic, black-out curtains. Trust me. You’ll be up before the sun, so no issues there. - Typically, the shift seems to fly by.
Let’s face it. Day shift is typically busy. You wake up, get ready, drive to work, grab your caffeine fix, take report, put your Superman(woman) cape on, check your charts, and start saving lives. Somewhere between passing meds, completing assessments, documenting, getting patients prepped for surgery, forgetting to pee, and swallowing your lunch so fast that you can’t remember what it tasted like, the day flies! Sweet! - The doctors are available, nearby, and anticipating your call.
I would work day shift FOREVER if Idris was the doctor! I digress. Doctors are EVERYWHERE, like one in every nurse’s station! I use to feel like I was on Oprah during her giveaway show. “You get a doctor, you get a doctor, you ALL GET A DOCTOR!” Now, please don’t take this as they are always happy to see you or get a call from you. They can get irritated too. At least they are there!
Night Shift Pro’s
- You make more money a.k.a. Hazard Pay.
Sorry, guys! This one had to go first. It is the biggest perk of night shift! More money = YES! This one is great, but it does come at a price. Working night shift is a hazard. Hazards can be minimized by getting adequate rest, eating a healthy diet, and exercise. Sounds like the same prescription for everyone, right? If you can handle this, bring on the extra cash flow! - Less interruptions.
How sweet it is! The doctors are gone and only show up if necessary. The visitors are preparing to leave for the night. It’s just you and your patients. Make that schedule and you can pretty much stick to it! Not always, sometimes never, but every now and then, this happens! - If you have to work on a holiday, you may still be able to spend time with your family.
This is always a plus! Now, this is not an option for every night shift worker. This depends on what time your family celebrations are taking place, how far you have to travel to get there and back, etc. If your family lives close, bring on the Christmas ham! This is hardly an option for the day shift worker. If you work 7a-7p, you usually miss all the mid-day festivities. If you work the night shift, you can usually get some rest the first part of the day, then make it in time to watch Dad butcher the bird! You may be slightly sleep deprived, but this is usually worth it to spend time with family.
Day Shift Con’s
- It’s hard to develop a routine.
Remember, day shift is usually busy! While this can be a great thing, this can be very stressful for the nurse. It is very difficult to get into a routine. The doctors are changing orders, the visitors have questions, the patients have needs. Just when you are getting excited about heading to the break room to scarf down your Lean Cuisine, call lights start going off! Yeah, you can push lunch back an hour, or two. Oh heck, who eats any more anyway? - Sometimes you don’t see the light of day for, well…DAYS.
This happens. You go to work, it’s dark. You clock out, it’s dark. Ugh. I need a beach and a drink with an umbrella in it just thinking about this. - You make less money.
NOOOOOOO! Well, it’s really not that bad. Night shift isn’t for everyone! For some people, the extra money totally is not worth it.
Night shift Con’s
- You may feel, and possibly look like, an extra from The Walking Dead.
Yeah…this is the part that sucks. There were some days I didn’t know if I was coming or going. I was grumpy and tired. I didn’t really enjoy my off days. Vacation was great, because it was the only time I had enough time off to start feeling good. Then back to work! Ugh…where is my beach?? - You may have to call (and wake up) the doctor.
I know most of you don’t mind calling the doctor. Most of us, however, don’t like waking them up. Well, some of us do…meanies. This can be frustrating. We know it’s a part of the job. The doctors know it’s a part of the job. It’s just not pleasant for anyone. - You possibly have limited access to outside resources.
Help me please!! Lawd, my first time mama needs help with breastfeeding, and the lactation consultant only works Monday-Friday 8am-5pm!! La Leche League, please!!?? Let me get online and watch some YouTube videos on how to do the football hold! Jesus be a fence! Then you go in the room and act like you know what you are doing, knowing good and well you are SOOOO lost. Here, mama. Let’s watch this lady on YouTube together!
Well guys, I would love to know what pro’s and con’s for both shifts you have!! Leave a comment! As always, you can always hit me up as well at ag@nursingforall.com
Peace out,
A.G.
