What is 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift? and Which is the Best? - Nurse Money Talk (2023)

FAQs

Which shift is better to work as a nurse? ›

The night shift can be significantly easier to start with for new nurses. It doesn't have the overwhelming stress of many patients and doctors going in and out. On the contrary, the night shift will enable you to learn at a slower pace.

These three shifts typically last 8 hours and are called, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift. 1st Shift usually takes place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 2nd Shift is worked between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. 3rd Shift typically takes place between the hours of 12 a.m. and 8 a.m.

What is 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift? Day shift, also called 1st shift, is usually 7am-3pm. The afternoon or evening shift, also called 2nd shift, is usually 3pm-11pm. Night shift, also called 3rd shift, is usually 11pm-7am.

So, what is the best shift to work? For most, the morning shift (approximately 7am-3pm) is best as it allows for a productive workday whilst not sabotaging time away from your loved ones. It is least likely to negatively impact your health as gaining adequate sleep and vitamin D is achievable for most.

Earn a higher salary

Many hospitals offer more money to night shift nurses than day shift nurses. This is because the irregular hours of night shifts may be less desirable, in general, to job candidates. If you want a higher paycheck, you might consider working on the night shift more often.

In general, 8-hour shifts are preferable to 12-hour shifts. Circadian physiology suggests that morning shifts should begin no earlier than 8:00 am for the physiological best fit to circadian rhythmicity.

Earn a higher salary.

One of the top reasons to work third shift is that it allows you to earn more short- and long-term income. Many companies offer shift differential, or more pay, for working hours outside of first shift.

You've got plenty of time. Plus, the stores are typically less crowded, making your task smoother and easier. Second shift schedules can also be incredibly helpful for those pursuing other life goals, like a second job or education. Having mornings open is perfect for class schedules and other responsibilities.

For many, it's just unnatural, sleeping while the world buzzes, and working while the world sleeps. But for millions of Americans, there are quite a few reasons why people choose the graveyard shift: emotional and financial benefits, privacy, less traffic, and more focus just to name a few.

Higher pay.

Second shift positions typically pay more because they come with a better pay package that includes shift differential. At Schneider, for example, we offer $1.25 per hour more during the week and $2.00 per hour more on weekends to associates who work second shift versus first.

Is it hard to work 3rd shift? ›

“Working third shift is really hard. It's very mentally draining and people around you tend to be grumpier to work around, because everyone would rather be in bed,” they said.

Day Shift Is Better for Your Health

Yes, all shift workers are at risk of Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD), but working night shift is a little worse because of the higher chance of sleep deprivation.

24-hour shifts are the toughest, and least common, of all shift types. Fire departments are the main ones who implement a 24-hour shift. Surprisingly, many doctors are on a 24-hour shift as well. The staple, though, of a 24-hour shift is allotted sleep time.

Working during the second shift allows you to work with people from both the first shift and the third shift, exposing you to a larger variety of people. More people may see your abilities and the value you provide to the company. As a result, this may help you advance into a leadership opportunity more easily.

Recent research showed the brains of workers who'd done 10 years of night shifts had aged by an extra six-and-a-half years. They couldn't remember as much or think so quickly.

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a night nurse is that parents get the sleep they need for a full postpartum recovery. “This is especially important for people who suffer from mental health issues, as sleep is correlated to well-being,” says Antunes.

Working at night opposes the body's natural circadian rhythms. As a result, some night shift nurses have difficulty achieving consistent, sufficient, and satisfying sleep. Even if there is substantial time to sleep during the day, the body often finds it difficult to fall asleep during hours when the sun is out.

For ageing employees, night work reduces sleep quality and recovering from demanding shifts takes more time. Based on new research results, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health recommends providing employees over 50 years of age with better opportunities to reduce night shifts and long hours.

Night shift work disrupts the body's circadian rhythms, or 24-hour internal “clock” that controls sleep-wake cycles. It increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Studies have shown that eating at night, as many nightshift workers do, impairs the body's ability to process sugar, or glucose.

What should I eat on shifts? ›

Incorporating healthy fats and foods high in protein or fibre to your meals, will also help you feel fuller for longer and keep cravings at bay. These could include lean meats, fish, cottage cheese, eggs, nuts and seeds, avocado, yogurt, baked beans, chickpeas, lentils, wholemeal bread, brown rice or pasta.

Working the night shift comes with its own detriments and risks, including fatigue, stress, and a higher risk of injury. For that reason, night shift workers and other workers working a less-than-desirable shift are known to be paid additional compensation called a shift differential.

The goal is to get the daily recommended amount of sleep for adults (7-9 hours). If your shift runs from 11pm – 7am, maybe set your sleep schedule to 9am – 5pm or split it to 9am – 2pm and 6pm – 9pm to get some work done during the day.

Work-Life Balance Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of the second shift is the added flexibility it gives to your schedule. If you're a parent, working the second shift offers several childcare benefits. If you're home during the daytime hours, you may not need to spend money on daycare or babysitters.

The reasons to work night shift include items like increased pay, reduced competition on the job, coworkers who can relate, greater vacation flexibility, autonomy, less distractions and an ability to run errands when everyone else is working.

2nd shift hours can cause physical health issues.

Some shift workers may develop poor diets, while others may develop higher levels of triglycerides (the main constituents of body fat in humans) than day workers.

You'll Make More Money

If you're looking for a way to boost your income, working a night shift may be the perfect solution. While most people are asleep, businesses and factories are still running, and that means there's a demand for workers to cover the overnight hours.

Night shift does provide some peaceful moments, when you can connect with your colleagues, personally and professionally. You might even be able to grab a snack at the nurses station or do a quick phone check, without (too much) worry about who's watching you.

Why afternoon shift is the best? ›

Afternoon shift allows many shift workers to manage their sleep patterns better (second shift workers get more sleep than either day shift or night shift) so they often feel better on this schedule than on a night shift schedule.

As shift allowance is a voluntary incentive, employers do not have a specific rate of pay that they must offer. As such, the rates of pay for shift allowance will vary between organisation, sector and location and could be anything from 5-20%, time and a half, or in some cases, double time.

What is Second Shift? Traditionally, second shift are the hours after 8 am – 5 pm. Usually, second shift employees clock in between 4 pm – 5 pm and clock out around 1 am.

A nap taken before the night shift is called a prophylactic nap. This type of nap is long, usually lasting for a few hours. During a long nap, the brain can progress into the deeper stages of sleep and, as a result, can reduce the buildup of pressure for sleep.

Before your first night shift, it's a good idea to try to sleep during the day so you are not awake for a full 24-hour period. Some people may find that staying up late the night before the first shift helps to get them into a routine.

Changing Your Sleep Schedule For the Night Shift

That is, rather than sleeping for a few hours at times scattered throughout the day, try to sleep in one long stretch as you would at night. 2 Your body will establish a new circadian rhythm, allowing you to be awake during the night and asleep during the day.

What do night shifts do to the brain? Night shift work has also been shown to raise the risks of mental health issues such as nervousness, irritability, and anxiety as consequences of stressful working conditions. Loss of quality sleep has been attributed to the prevalence of these ailments.

One of the perks of being a nurse, at any degree level, is that schedules can be flexible. Many nursing roles are 24-hour jobs, which means nurses can work various shifts and hours… patient care does not always end at five o'clock! Choosing to work alternate shifts is a choice that is available to many RNs.

Second and third shift positions tend to be less popular than a typical day shift; however, there are plenty of benefits of taking the shift less traveled. Working at an unconventional time can have positive effects on your work life balance – if you take advantage of them.

The second shift, also known as the swing shift, generally runs from afternoon to around midnight. The timing of the shift can vary dramatically, and start times can be as early as 11 a.m. or as late as 5 p.m. In many industries, especially hospitality, this can often be the busiest shift of all.

What makes a good shift? ›

Describe a good shift

Because a great shift is less about having high numbers of staff – and more about effective organisation of tasks, time management, and regular breaks to ensure the team is kept sharp, hydrated, and happy.

First Shift (Day Shift): Start time between 5:00 AM and 9:30 AM (Straight Time Rate) Second Shift (Swing): Start time between 9:31 AM and 8:00 PM (Straight Time Rate. +17.3%) Third Shift (Graveyard): Start time between 8:01 PM and 4:59 AM (Straight Time Rate. +31.4%)

First Shift

If you're naturally an early riser and want to have free time in the evening and night, this is usually your best bet. Or if you have children and need to tend to them before and after school, first shift is a good option.

Ten years or more of rotating night shift work was associated with 20% decreased odds of healthy aging. This association was consistently observed for the individual component of healthy aging.

Over time, and at high enough levels, the stress from your job can cause you to age faster physically. This has been verified in a number of different studies, including one study from researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Abstract. Sleep deprivation and the consequent circadian clock disruption has become an emergent health question being associated with premature aging and earlier chronic diseases onset. Night-shift work leads to circadian clock misalignment, which is linked to several age-related diseases.

Even with challenges, many nurses prefer the night shift because it helps them maintain flexibility in their personal lives while positively impacting their patients' well-being. Ultimately, working a night shift can be a rewarding experience for many nurses.

Many clinical nurses prefer 12-hour shifts despite the controversy over shifts longer than the eight-hour standard, which first emerged in the 1970s. The ill effects of long working hours in health care have been well documented, including performance errors and adverse events related to fatigue.

Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other places that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to have regular business hours.

The day shift is the body clock-friendly shift, where there is always help available and there is a better chance of showing off your skills to management. Whereas, night shift typically brings financial reward, is great for the night owls and you'll never get stuck in traffic again.

How do nurses survive the first night shift? ›

While a 30-minute nap can help you to feel more alert during an 8-hour night shift, a longer nap may be more useful if you work an extended night shift of 12 hours or more. Rotating 12-hour, day-night shift systems have been increasingly used for nurses in hospitals and caregivers in nursing homes.

Ten years or more of rotating night shift work was associated with 20% decreased odds of healthy aging. This association was consistently observed for the individual component of healthy aging. Overall, the observed association did not differ substantially by age, BMI, and other lifestyle factors.

Do Nurses Work 3 Days a Week? Many nurses work just 3 days a week. Although it seems like a pretty relaxed and manageable schedule, they work 12-hour shifts on each of those days. Those long shifts can be draining and taxing on the nurse's mental and physical health—it's far from an easy schedule.

With an 8-hour shift, work schedules tend to be more consistent, and each workday ends earlier. This helps create a work routine that is more regular and stable. The main drawback of an 8-hour shift is that you get fewer days off and have to come into work more often.

The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist consistently ranks as the highest-paid nursing career. That is because Nurse Anesthetists are highly skilled Registered Nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia.

Since night shift workers get most of their sleep during the day, their sleep runs against the body's 24-hour clock—also known as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock responds to indications of light and dark and sends out signals that keep us awake during the day and asleep at night.

One of the top reasons to work third shift is that it allows you to earn more short- and long-term income. Many companies offer shift differential, or more pay, for working hours outside of first shift.