5 Night Shift Benefits Nurses May Not Have Realized Yet

Most nurses cringe at the idea of working night shifts. However, while the majority of us have a long list of bad ideas about working at night, some nurses actually prefer the working schedule.

If you’ve ever wondered why they like night shifts, then this list will surely give you a much clearer idea.

1. Higher pay

Working on night shifts can increase your pay by as much as 10%, depending on your state’s law. It can even go up if you’re working on night shifts on a weekend

“I used to hate going on night shifts. But considering night differentials, I thought the same 8 hours I work during the day can earn me more if I clock in at night,” a ward nurse share

2. More relaxed patient routine

Morning shifts come with a lot of interruptions, from meetings to doctors doing their rounds. There’s also more visitors checking in on their patients during the day. Although these things sound relatively reasonable for nurses, we must have to admit that they can cause us a lot of stress.

Night shifts aren’t only relaxing for the patients but for nurses as well.

Night shifts are slower in pace. Since patients are set to rest and sleep, most of them only need monitoring. Aside from the benefit of a more relaxed environment, working at night also gives us more opportunity to connect with our patients, such as addressing concerns or giving them a soothing back rub.

3. Fewer people on the floor.

If you get annoyed by visitors persistently asking you questions, then night shifts are definitely for you. During the night, there are fewer people visiting patients which mean there’s also fewer people persistently asking you questions!

“Night shifts work best for me because I have very limited tolerance for visitors whom I have no clear idea what they’re asking or which patient they are referring to. Nurses can only get so busy, and the last thing we want is to have to discuss our patient’s anatomy and physiology to his clueless relatives,” an ICU nurse said.

4. Better family time.

While night shifts can mean lesser sleeping hours, most parents wouldn’t trade these precious moments for anything.

Working at night enables nurses who are parents to catch up with their children and family. You’ll be able to prepare your kids’ meals for school, help them with their home works and tidy up your home. You can even attend to their school activities or take them for a short trip to the park.

5. Improved working relationship

Working at night enable nurses to foster a closer friendship since the environment is less tense and hectic. They can share stories and even their tips and tricks on surviving night shifts and transition from day to night shift.

“My co-workers and I have a favorite place where we eat after our shift. If we’re not eating there, we spend breakfast at each other’s house. We always have a good laugh. It’s really a good way to de-stress,” an ER nurse shared.