Advantages and Disadvantages of Night Shift
Although it's possible to choose a regular shift in the nursing profession, nurses have to be flexible and work both day and night shifts when required.
Every coin has two sides. Working in graveyard shifts can be favorable for night nurses, yet, it also has disadvantages.
Advantages
- Night differential pay.
- Less supervision. Chance to learn more and be more self-reliant.
- More laid back and slower pace of work.
- Bigger chance of spending time with fellow nurses.
- Decision-making ability will be enhanced.
- Freedom from battling with daily traffic.
- Night nurses may enroll to nursing/medical schools during the day and study at night during free times.
Disadvantages
- Disturbed or altered sleeping pattern.
- More vulnerable to stress and fatigue.
- Graveyard shifts can cause irregular heartbeats.
- Being invisible to daytime administrators and missing out on career promotions.
- Lack of competitive environment may affect the nurse's professional growth.
- Missing activities with family and friends.
- Travelling late at night or at wee hours is a little risky.
Related articles:
How to Sleep Better: Tips for Nurses Working in Random Shifts
How to Deal With Workplace Stress
Published at: 05/21/2015
