New to 3rd Shift

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Hello everyone,

I was hoping someone would give me some input on my situation. I am starting a new job as a CNA at the hospital working 7pm - 7am shift on Monday. I am a night person by nature but not thru to 7am. My question is - Should I start changing my sleeping/living schedule a few days prior (like start Friday when my first scheduled night is Monday)? Or should I just wing it Monday night into Tuesday and hope that I can make it to 7am? Any opinions would be great! Thank you in advance.....

P.S. I'm scheduled Monday, Tuesday and Saturday next week

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Hey there, I would like to know as well because I was offered a position working 11pm-7am. I'm sure it is not as grueling as a 12hr shift would be, but it is still overnight. I was basically told sleep all day be up all night : )

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I'm in the same boat. I just got hired in the ER 7pm-7am. I've never worked nights & scared that I might feel sick or fall asleep that first night lol that would be horrible!! I usually sleep from 1am to 5-6am I know crazy I have kids plus nursing school & I've always had issues sleeping. So I don't know where to start lol hellllppppp!!

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Specializes in Long term care.

Yes, by all means, start at least a few days (maybe even a week) before your new job. Stay up as late as you possible can. You will be busy, but certainly not as busy as a day or evening shift. The toughest part is that it will get very busy for you around 6am when you are at the end of your shift and will be the most tired! So start to change your sleep pattern as soon as you can.

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Thank you! @Missingyou

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Thank you @ missingyou!!

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Thank you missingyou....I'm gonna see how late I can make it tonight ;-)

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Thank you missingyou....I'm gonna see how late I can make it tonight ;-)

How long were u able to stay up for?

I was out at 1am & up at 6:30!! I need to practice more. If I was working I would have slept through half my shift :p lol

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

When you work (as long as you're not sitting or in home care) it's pretty hard to get tired, there's too much going on. I suggest staying up late a few nights before if you can and then napping during the day. I also am unable to go to sleep late and wake up late the night before a shift so I just nap during the day. And some people will always feel sick during night shift...usually happens around 3am.

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I get tired around 4am, but after 6am I get a rush of energy. I get off at 7am and go home and sleep until 2pm. The bad part is on my days off I sleep at night with the rest of my family. I am doing okay with it,but it won't be forever.

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