Less fatigue: Nurses become less fatigued when they work 8-hour shifts. A shift with eight hours allows the nurse to go home and get enough rest before their shift the next day. More downtime on workdays: During a nurse's workday, there is more downtime to be had by working an eight-hour shift.
Since we are programmed to feel more tired and need sleep during the night, working during the day tends to be easier and more convenient for most nurses. The hours for the day shift typically fit with normal sleeping habits, so working the day shift can help you feel more rested and energized for your job.
A typical workday for a nurse is a 12-hour shift either from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Because of the long days, nurses usually work only three days a week. At the start of a shift, nurses will check in for a "handoff" from the nurse currently working in their area.
It really depends on the person. Morning people might prefer the 1st shift, while those who like to sleep in later might prefer the 2nd shift.
You can focus more on your patients and learn more about them while performing your duties undisturbed. In addition, you may have time to read patient charts or even books. Many nurses use the night shift time to pursue higher education by doing their homework and studying at night.
Since nurses typically support doctors during these activities, nurses tend to have more of these tasks on the day shift than on the night shift. Day shift nurses may also have more interaction with patients, as more patients may be at the health care facility during daylight hours.
Though the night shift may not appeal to all nurses, those who work it can maintain a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle, while seizing career opportunities that may be less available to nurses who work the day shift. Where Can Nurse Practitioners Work Without Patient Supervision?
Working second shift may allow you to work in a more focused environment. While you still work with others, there may be fewer people present. This may allow you to concentrate better on your work and finish it more successfully. You may also become more productive with fewer distractions.
First Shift is the Easiest to Fill
Whichever schedule works for you, one thing is for sure: You probably need people working first shift hours. The good news is that the first shift is the most common schedule, and you shouldn't have trouble finding people willing to work during the day.
In general, clockwise shift rotations should be used (day–evening–night). Ideally, a rotational schedule should include no more than 3 night shifts in a block, with 3 days of recuperation after the night shift work. In general, 8-hour shifts are preferable to 12-hour shifts.
Nurse Administrator
Leadership roles typically come with a higher level of independence and more flexibility. Nurse administrators still work in hospital settings; however, they are spared the daily stress of dealing with patients and providing bedside care.
Even when a nurse voluntarily works overtime, the maximum shift is 14 consecutive hours. Furthermore, after a nurse's shift, the employer must provide at least 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time. This is with or without overtime. The law doesn't prohibit nurses from voluntarily working overtime.
Nurses can work 8, 10, or 12 hour-shifts. They can work the traditional Monday-Friday 9-5 pm shifts with weekends off or various times throughout the week while rotating the weekends. Many nurses work days, nights, or just weekends.
Night shift is great for new nurses, because there is more downtime to learn. Day shift can be overwhelming for a new grad, so I suggest trying the nightlife until you get the hang of things. It allows for more time to look at your patient's chart and learn why you are doing what you are doing.
Your body is naturally programmed to be awake during the day and asleep at night, so it can take time getting used to the new routine. A night shift may come with long periods of inactivity, and it can be difficult to remain alert and focused while your body is adjusting to the new schedule.
Before your first night shift, it's a good idea to try to sleep during the day so you are not awake for a full 24-hour period. Some people may find that staying up late the night before the first shift helps to get them into a routine.
Night Shift automatically adjusts the colors of your display to the warmer end of the spectrum — making the display easier on your eyes.
The night shift can be challenging, and some might question if the benefits are worth it, and more importantly if they can manage it. But the short answer is yes. Many individuals can manage to work the night shift, and there is typically a financial incentive provided by the employer for the employee to do so.
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a night nurse is that parents get the sleep they need for a full postpartum recovery. “This is especially important for people who suffer from mental health issues, as sleep is correlated to well-being,” says Antunes.
During the shift, eat high-quality foods such as vegetables, salads, vegetable soups, fruits, wholegrain sandwiches, yogurt, cheese, eggs, nuts, and green tea. Avoid sugar-rich products and low-fiber carbohydrate foods. These can increase sleepiness, so avoid them when you feel sleepy or need to stay alert.
Night Shift Nursing Sleep Schedules
Some nurses prefer to stay up super late the night before and then sleep in the next day when their night shift begins. Other nurses prefer to go to bed at their usual time the night before, but take a solid nap close to the start of their night shift.