Pros:
The hospital is quieter. Even if you work in a unit that functions the same way as during the day, like critical care units.
Less interruptions by other departments is a wonderful thing.
You don't have to get up at zero dark thirty to get ready for work.
Usually, the pay is better.
Cons:
If you're not a night owl, staying awake all night is tough even when you're young.
Your day off isn't a full day since you get home in the morning and have to sleep part of the day. And don't even try to make people who don't work night shift understand this!
There is less help available if you need it.
Patients do not sleep at night. This is a myth.
Night shift can be awesome. I agree, they are differently quieter, you can work more efficiently without the noice and interruptions. You get a shift premium, some place have as much as an extra $5/hr. Management isn't around so you have more freedom and less stress. The staff tend to work more as a team on night shift and you develop a camaraderie with your co-workers and feel more included. The cons are that there are typically no doctors around and if you have to call them, they are usually sleeping so it should only be done if it is vitally important. You have less resources at night with the ancillary departments.
If you can stay awake without any problems, the night shift is an awesome choice. The time seems to go much faster on nights. One more thing, on your days off, you have to plan accordingly. Only sleep till noon or 1pm the first day if you plan to go back to regular day life, and the first day, after you get up around noon, you feel a little weird, like a hazy feeling but the second day off, you're normal.
