Us and them. Perhaps it’s human nature for groups to identify themselves as being opposed to others. This tendency can be used positively in competition between sports teams and businesses. However, the rivalry becomes detrimental to morale and productivity when it develops within a company or a single department between those who work the early shift and the late shift.
Night and weekend workers are the unsung heroes of retail. They really make or break customer service. However, due to their lack of seniority, they frequently receive the lowest pay in the establishment. That occurs when working the early shift is viewed as desirable, and occasionally even as a right for those who have “paid their dues.”
Elitism on the part of daytime employees and a sense of victimization on the part of nighttime employees can be the unfortunate outcome. (Not to mention substandard service for customers. The day shift complains that the night shift employees leave work unfinished and assumes that they must be goofing off because they simply don’t care. When the day shift fails to prepare for the evening rush or produce enough output, the night shift feels underappreciated and unsupported.
Day shift benefits
Consider these benefits of working the day shift when choosing which shift to work:
Quicker pace
Day shift nurses frequently have a lot of work to do due to the increased number of tests, procedures, and other instructions from management. Your sense of accomplishment at work can increase when you receive new tasks and finish them on time.
Regular sleeping habits
Working the day shift can help you feel more rested and energized for your job because the hours usually fit with normal sleeping patterns. The day shift may be a better choice if you are accustomed to sleeping at night and rising in the morning.
Learning opportunities
Working with physicians, surgeons, and other key medical personnel can help nurses learn more about a variety of job-related topics. Additionally, attending doctors typically conduct rounds during this shift, talking with patients about their symptoms and diagnoses. Day shift nurses can learn the following things by watching doctors and questioning them:
Chances to display your skills
Nurses who work the day shift may have a better chance of management watching them perform their duties and procedures because management frequently works during the day shift. Having this opportunity may be helpful when applying for or asking for a promotion if your career goals include moving up the corporate ladder because management may be aware of your skills.
More time with patients
The day shift might be best for you if you prefer working with patients one-on-one. Working the day shift can help you develop relationships with patients and learn more about their needs since many are awake and active during that time.
Ability to schedule your personal time
Having a similar schedule to your friends and family can enable you to spend time with them after work for things like:
Cafeteria access
Many hospital cafeterias are open during the day shift. If you work the day shift, having access to the cafeteria may be useful if you need to take a break for a snack or beverage to recharge.
What’s the difference between the day shift and the night shift?
Although night shift and day shift nurses perform many of the same tasks, there are a few significant differences between the two shifts, including:
Hours
The day shift usually starts around 7 a. m. , though it can start as early as 5 a. m. for some nurses. This shift frequently lasts until the middle of the evening, around seven o’clock. m. The night shift usually begins between 6:30-7 p. m. Nurses who work the night shift typically work through the night and into the morning until around seven in the morning. m.
Doctors on staff
The day shift is frequently when doctors, surgeons, management, and other key staff members work at hospitals and other patient treatment facilities. As a result, day shift nurses may work more quickly and have more opportunities to learn how to support medical professionals more effectively.
Tests and procedures
Since many medical professionals work the day shift, they frequently schedule procedures and examinations for the day. This is also when surgeons typically perform operations. Nurses typically have more work on the day shift than the night shift because they typically assist doctors during these activities.
Night shift benefits
Additional advantages of working the night shift for nurses include:
Quieter, slower-paced work environment
During the day shift, many doctors perform patient tests and procedures, and many patients unwind or sleep during the night shift. This can make the night shift a more peaceful workplace where you can perform your duties largely without interruption and complete your tasks on time.
More time for studying charts
The night shift can give you more time to review patient charts if you’re curious to learn more about symptoms, ailments, injuries, and medications. This can help you comprehend your patients and the treatments they require more completely.
Increased camaraderie
Many nurses who work the night shift discover they have more time to get to know their coworkers. This can improve morale among you and your coworkers and set a positive tone for the workplace. This improved camaraderie can also enhance teamwork, which will enable you to complete your tasks more quickly.
Higher pay
Many hospitals pay night shift nurses more than day shift employees. You might think about working the night shift more frequently if you want to earn more money.
Faster commute
Unlike many other work shifts, the night shift has different start and end times. This results in less traffic on the roads leading to and from work, possibly making the commute for nurses working the night shift quicker and easier.
Tips for choosing between the day shift and the night shift
Both the day shift and the night shift have advantages, so weigh the following factors to determine which is better for you:
Your preferred hours
Some people are more productive during the day, while others are during the night. You can decide whether you would be more productive working the day or night shift by evaluating when you work best.
Your career goals
The day shift might present more chances for education and self-improvement. The day shift might be more advantageous for you if one of your goals is to advance your career. The night shift can enable you to maintain the same stable job for an extended period of time.
Your personal responsibilities
Making a list or schedule of your daily personal obligations and the due dates for them could be helpful. This list may help you decide when you can work and when you need to have an open schedule if you can only complete these tasks at specific times.
Your work style
Consider working the day shift if you prefer to work quickly and can finish a lot of tasks in a short amount of time. You might perform better during the slower-paced night shift if your work style involves taking your time and making sure you complete each task completely before moving on to the next one.
DAY SHIFT vs NIGHT SHIFT for Nurses
FAQ
Is day shift better or night shift?
Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is a risk for all shift workers, but working the night shift is slightly worse due to the increased likelihood of sleep deprivation.
Why night shifts are better?
The night shift is typically quieter than other shifts. You can focus more on doing your job well (which is great for your mood, productivity, and career) with fewer meetings to attend and fewer interruptions from coworkers or your boss.
What is the healthiest shift to work?
In general, 8-hour shifts are preferable to 12-hour shifts. Morning shifts should start no earlier than 8:00 am, according to circadian physiology, to achieve the best physiological fit with circadian rhythmicity.
Why is it better to work in a day shift?
Normal Schedule If you work the day shift, you can follow the same schedule as most people. It’s nice to get up early and leave for bed at a reasonable hour. Being on this schedule will naturally cause you to wake up early and go to bed early, making your days off more productive.
