a work question... if you had the option

Halo79RN

 of working in your specialty but overnight vs working an entry level position but days.... which would you pick?  

(shifts are 3 twelves, it's unknown how long it would be before a day position would pop up on the unit of specialty and it sounds like you'd pretty much have to work nights there before getting a day job there).  

Rebekah1021

Nope.

Halo79RN

"nope" as in what? you wouldn't work nights or you wouldn't work the other position?

ThreeGirls726

I probably wouldn't but it would depend on the financial situation of my family. Does the overnight job pay a lot more? Does your family need it?

DandelionMom

I would have no problem working nights as long as childcare could be worked out to allow me a good sleep.  But I know that shift is killer for a lot of people.

AnnapolisLari

If you would have to work nights on the specialty unit anyway, before a day job opens, I would work the 3 overnights. That way if a day position opens, you are already on that unit and in line for the day job.

If it were 5 overnights a week I would say no, but 3 sounds more doable.

Halo79RN

usually there is a differential for nights, but it typically only equates to a few dollars an hour.  where I am now, it's 15% more (so closer to $6/hr).  some places it's only $2-3 more per hour.  I'm guessing in a lcol area it would be closer to $2-3/hr. 

Halo79RN

$ is not the issue.. .it's specialty vs regular sleep every night.  I work 2 nights a week now and have gained about 20-25lb over the last 3 years... but my kids have not been in school full time.  they will next year.  but , I had the last 10 nights off and lost 4lb... it takes me a few nights to feel rested after skimping on sleep. 

Rebekah1021

Halo79RN:

"nope" as in what? you wouldn't work nights or you wouldn't work the other position?

Oops sorry. I wouldn't work the overnight. I know a couple of people who work overnights and they are miserable from it. 

docmay25

My sister is a nurse and she does the 3 overnight shifts schedule.  She does it because it pays a lot more.  But she is constantly thinking about taking the pay cut and moving to days.  She is always exhuasted.  It takes her a couple days to catch up on her sleep becasue even though she does sleep during the day it is harder to get the quality sleep you would at night.  She finds it hard to wind down and fall asleep when she gets home.  If her kids are home from school (half days, vacations) then she only gets a few hours of sleep. 

Also, you are on the opposite schedule from everyone else in your life...if that will matter to you.  I used to talk to my sister everyday and get together at least once a week with our kids.  I hardly talk to her once a week now because she is usually sleeping.  Just some things to consider. 

Also, will you be earning "first place" for a day tiem spot or are there others waiting for that position?  I would consider how long it is going to take before the day position becomes available.

ccm1203

AnnapolisLari:

If you would have to work nights on the specialty unit anyway, before a day job opens, I would work the 3 overnights. That way if a day position opens, you are already on that unit and in line for the day job.

If it were 5 overnights a week I would say no, but 3 sounds more doable.

  This

Starr57

I would choose the overnight. Assuming DS would be in daycare (with DH doing drop off) so I could sleep during the day, I would have time to spend with DS & DH before I go to work. Also, IMO, entry level pay and lack of challenge would deter me more than the overnights.

Halo79RN

Starr57:

I would choose the overnight. Assuming DS would be in daycare (with DH doing drop off) so I could sleep during the day, I would have time to spend with DS & DH before I go to work. Also, IMO, entry level pay and lack of challenge would deter me more than the overnights.

I would still be paid as having 10 yrs experience.  it's just the job I started in 10 years ago. I liked that job fine.  but critical care is different.  overnights is hard.  especially for a morning person.  there are pros and cons to either position. I just cannot decide what's more important to me right now.  

xbrooklyngrl

I'd stick to days.