MSN-Ed, BSN, RN
Nurses have many tasks to complete whether they work days or nights. However, the flow of care is vastly different between the two shifts
Night nurses typically have to bundle care during the beginning and end of the shift to allow time for patients to sleep. On the other hand, day nurses learn to balance activities throughout the day, as patients may be awake most of the shift.
While there could be assumptions that day shift is harder than the night shift, the reality is that no one shift is more stressful than the other. Researchers found in a 2021 study that compiled data from around the world that nurses reported exhaustion and physical and mental fatigue regardless of the shift they worked.
However, when deciding to switch to days, there are certain things to take into consideration.
There are many benefits to working the day shift. While it may seem daunting, switching to days might be advantageous. Here are four reasons why:
One of the most obvious benefits of working day shift is work-life balance. In one study, nurses working the night shift reported difficulty balancing family and social life. Switching to day shift can help limit the feeling of isolation and promote a healthy social life.
Day shift nurses also can enjoy their full weekends off. Night nurses might have to sleep through weekend mornings if they work the night before. However, this is dependent on facility scheduling practices and nurses’ sleep schedules.
Sleeping on a “normal” schedule is likely one of the main reasons many nurses make the switch. When working nights, it can be difficult to get enough sleep on both workdays and off days. Night shift work can lead to increased on-the-job sleepiness, which can affect the quality of care provided to patients. Switching to day shift can also reduce your risk of adverse health problems, including depression, anxiety, and nutritional imbalances.
Managers typically work during business hours. While some prefer to avoid their boss, working closely with a director, manager, or unit educator may actually be beneficial. When needing guidance on a difficult situation with a patient or coworker, management may be able to help if a charge/lead nurse is unavailable. This is especially the case if managers have an open-door policy. Nurses who work day shift can get to know their managers on a personal level easier than when working nights due to the frequency of interaction.
On day shift, nurses frequently interact with care team members like physicians, dieticians, case managers, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and specialty clinicians (i.e., ostomy nurses, lactation specialists, or diabetes educators).
Depending on the unit in which they work, nurses may be required to attend collaborative meetings with these team members to discuss the plan for the day.
As with nights, day shift has its challenges. Nurses can brace for changes by knowing exactly what to expect. Here are four things to consider before making the switch:
Patients are typically scheduled for tests, therapies, and procedures in the morning and afternoon. They may be visited by physicians and ancillary staff. Day shift nurses are often distracted by phone calls and visits from family members and staff members. Nurses may also have to postpone skills (and other) tasks more frequently because a patient is off the unit for a test/procedure or participating in other activities like physical therapy.
Money can be a key deciding factor when choosing to switch shifts. Night nurses typically get a pay differential. When switching to days, nurses may have $8,000 or more shaved off their yearly income – a big pay cut for some. Nurses should decide if the benefits of working day shift outweigh the risk of financial loss. Personal expenses and financial plans should be considered.
The Joint Commission (JCAHO) gives accreditation to hospitals in all 50 states that comply with state regulations. Every few years, JCAHO surveyors visit health facilities to ensure that safety and quality care standards are met. Often unannounced, these visits primarily occur during daytime business hours.
Nurses may be questioned by surveyors about policies and procedures, or watched as they perform tasks like charting, preparing medications, and handwashing. Hospitals can be disciplined if a nurse makes a mistake in the presence of a surveyor. Although there are ways to prepare for visits throughout the year, the experience can be intimidating.
While there are challenges associated with switching to any new shift – like meeting an entirely new set of coworkers – nursing is a 24-hour job that requires continuity of care. Although each shift has its differences, how you care for patients remains the same. Transitioning from nights to days doesn’t have to be intimidating. Many nurses have made the switch. Are you ready to join in?
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