Night shift work

Should a person take a job working 11 PM - 7 Am to get their foot in the door at a hospital?
I see ads for this postiion from time to time, but I don't think I am one for working night shift.
Or is it a stepping stone until daytime hours open up?
It could be considered a stepping stone. I hired in to a hospital on nights and was able to score a day shift position after some time because I was already an employee. One distinct benefit is that you may know about an open position before it is posted for the general public to see.

Many, many nurses do this. What are the reasons you feel you aren't cut out for it?

Quote from pat8585Should a person take a job working 11 PM - 7 Am to get their foot in the door at a hospital? I see ads for this postiion from time to time, but I don't think I am one for working night shift.Or is it a stepping stone until daytime hours open up?

Thanks for everyone's response. I think the trying to sleep during the day would be bothersome for me.But I would consider it if it meant a job opportunity.

It is a stepping stone, but dont expect that to happen right away. You usually have to pay your dues for a year or so before moving on up. It will go by seniority usually and be assured there are others who are hired to nights before you with the exact same plan, so they will get the go ahead first.

I work as a Safety Care Associate (sitter), and I am required to work two 11-7am shifts/month. As much as I dislike the shift, I realize that I am giving myself an edge over the competition by working in the hospital. You do what you have to do. Take the work and earn your stripes. Then after a couple of years or three, you will have more experience and more opportunity to work better hours elsewhere.

I am a new grad. I honestly am glad I work night shift where I work. I work on a really busy Med-Surg floor 1900-0700 3 nights a week. It's a lot more slower on nights, the pace is nice, I like my co-workers on nights, and I get shift differential. My co-horts that were hired with me that are on days really don't get paid enough for what they have to deal with on days (ever-changing doctors orders, family, PT/OT, etc.) and after 3 months, I'm really considering myself lucky to be on nights. My sleeping schedule is weird, I do stay up most of the night before night shifts and sleep all day. I would just take it as a stepping stone, and see how you like it. Experience is very important, and I'm sure a day shift will open up. As for me, I would NEVER want to work days on my floor...too hectic...

Oh and just to add..invest in a good eye mask for when you sleep. It makes getting rest during the day all the difference.

Changing your circadian rhythm can be difficult. If your household would be quiet and dark, and you did not have daytime responsibilities.... it could be do-able. A lot of nurses prefer this shift because it can be less hectic.Personally, I could never adjust to midnights... but I did manage to pull it off for a year until (in my case). a day position opened.I don't like days either! Afternoons is the place for me.Good luck.

Quote from ILOVEnrsg2 I work on a really busy Med-Surg floor 1900-0700 3 nights a week. It's a lot more slower on nights, the pace is nice, I like my co-workers on nights, and I get shift differential. My co-horts that were hired with me that are on days really don't get paid enough for what they have to deal with on days

Quote from ILOVEnrsg2Oh and just to add..invest in a good eye mask for when you sleep. It makes getting rest during the day all the difference.

I have put on 40 pounds after being on night shift for 3 years. It goes on slowly so you do not really notice....until you get on the scales. This seems to be the norm as most of the nurses say the put on weight. I think it is because we never really know when to eat.