The type of working environment nurses encounter and how they complete their responsibilities can both be impacted by hospital scheduling.
Employees might enjoy different benefits and experiences on the day shift and the night shift.
Making the most productive choice for you depends on your understanding of these distinctions.
The secret to nursing satisfaction is striking a balance between doing your best nursing shift and living your best life.
In this article, I’ll be exploring the distinction between day shifts and night shifts for nurses (see also ‘Why Do Nurses Work 12-Hour Shifts?‘). Then I’ll discuss which could be more beneficial for you.
Differences Between Day And Night Shifts
Nurses can be asked to complete either or a mixture of day and nights shifts (see also ‘Are 12 Hour Shifts Safe? Patient And Nurse Safety‘).
However, it is important that you learn what type of shift suits you and which one is more beneficial to you. Both shifts have their own pros and cons.
The main differences between these two types of shifts are as follows:
Working Hours
Some nurses may begin their day shift as early as 5 am. However, the day shift typically begins at 7 a.m. Then this shift will often last until 7 pm, as this shift frequently lasts all day.
A typical start time for the night shift is between 6:30 and 7 pm. Usually, nurses who work the night shift are up until around 7 am.
Doctors On Staff
Doctors, surgeons, administrators, and other important staff members frequently work during the day shift, at most hospitals as well as other patient treatment facilities.
As a result, day shift nurses may work more quickly and have more chances to help these medical specialists.
Nurses on the night shift could have fewer coworkers to work alongside.
Procedures And Tests
Since many surgeons and doctors work the day shift, they frequently perform surgeries and test patients during the daylight hours.
Since nurses frequently assist doctors throughout these activities. They frequently perform more of these duties during the day shift than during the night (see also ‘Are Nurses Allowed To Sleep On Night Shifts?‘).
Due to the potential increase in patient traffic at the healthcare institution during the day, day shift nurses might even engage with patients more frequently as well.
Benefits From Working The Day Shift
If you have decided to work the day shift, there are many advantages from working this shift.
Fast Paced Environment
The day shift is frequently more hectic than that of the night shift because hospitals are typically busier and more congested throughout the day.
Day shift nurses have numerous responsibilities to complete, including examinations and procedures (see also ‘How To Remove NG Tube‘).
Some people value the chance to perform in a hurried setting and finish tasks quickly because it makes them feel more accomplished at work.
Normal Schedule
The day shift usually allows you to keep your regular sleeping schedule and get some shut-eye when most people are sleeping.
You can maintain your body’s biological cycles by resting at night and remaining awake during the day.
This can make it possible for you to get a good night’s sleep and generate enough energy for managing your day tasks.
In addition to that, most people work during the day. Therefore, your evenings are free to see your friends and family, who will also be home from work as well.
Ability To Learn
Nurses can gain more knowledge about the healthcare industry by spending the day working alongside doctors, surgeons, and other key medical personnel.
Additionally, this is the shift where attending doctors usually make rounds and talk to patients about their symptoms and diagnoses.
Observing and questioning doctors can assist day shift nurses to learn more information.
Additionally, nurses who work this shift might have a good chance to demonstrate their abilities to managers. They can impress bosses by properly carrying out their responsibilities.
Patients
During the day, patients are awake and engaged. Therefore, if you enjoy working 1 to 1, day shifts allow you to create better relationships with them.
You can ask them more questions, to understand their medical needs better.
Benefits From Working The Night Shift
There are in fact many benefits from working the night shift that not a lot of people realize.
Quieter Environment
During the day shift, many doctors finish up patient tests and procedures (see also ‘Can Nurses Intubate?‘). Then patients sleep during the night.
Due to this, working the night shift can be quiet, and serene. Some nurses value this type of environment and believe it enables them to work alone and without interruptions.
Better Paid
Many hospitals pay night shift nurses more. This is because night work could be less appealing due to their erratic hours.
You can think about working the night shift more frequently if you want to earn extra money.
Patient Charts
The night shift can allow you time to review patient charts if you’re curious to learn more about symptoms, ailments, and treatments.
Additionally, you might get a chance to look at the manuals for various medical equipment and gadgets.
Working the night shift can help you improve your knowledge of your patients and the remedies they need.
Choosing Between Day And Night Shifts
As you can see, both shifts have wonderful benefits. When choosing which sift is more beneficial for you, consider the following points:
Working Hours
While some people are more productive during the day, others are more so at night. You should determine whether you might execute your job more effectively in the day or at night.
Career Goals – It’s possible that working the day shift will give you additional opportunities for networking, professional growth, and learning, which could help you improve in your career.
The night shift allows for steady employment for an extended period of time.
Working Style
Consider working the day shift if you like to work quickly and can complete a lot of duties in a short amount of time.
You could enjoy the slower-paced night shift if your working style entails taking your time and making sure you complete each assignment completely prior to moving on to the next one.
Personal Responsibilities
Making a list or schedule of your daily personal obligations and the times you intend to complete them could be helpful.
If you have particular tasks or obligations to complete at certain times, this can affect which type of shift you should consider taking.
This list can be effective in showing when the best time for you to work is.
Conclusion
For nurses, you can either work the day shift or the night shift. As we have established both, shifts offer different benefits, depending on the type of person you are and your career prospects (see also ‘Is Hospital/Nursing Management A Good Career Path?‘).
The day shift has a lot more benefits for progression and learning while working in a fast environment.
While the night shift allows you to gain a deeper understanding about patients in a quieter environment, which is often better paid.
Both shifts have different benefits. The one that is right for you will differ from person to person.
We hope this article has been informative and gives you a better understanding on which shift is more beneficial for you.