I'm so nervous!

Nurses New Nurse

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I start a new job (my first RN job) next week! I'm excited to be starting, but also so nervous! I will be working nights on an oncology floor. Eek! Any advice for night shift? I don't drink coffee or soda, so can't use those. I've never stayed up later than like 3 in the morning O.o

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Energy drinks! lol

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That's what I'm thinking! I just have to be careful because I am looking at having weight loss surgery this summer. I am ok with them for now, but don't know what I can do after!

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Specializes in "Wound care - geriatric care.

Don't use caffeine, maybe one cup of coffee before you start the shift. My secret is keep eating well throughout the night and drinking water plenty of it. My main problem is not staying up all night but sleeping during the day, can you sleep during the day?

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Get good rest during the day, stay hydrated and don't miss meal times and snacks. I stay way too busy at night to even get sleepy!

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Invest in some window shades to darken/block out light in your bedroom while you sleep during the day. Silence your phone while you sleep, if you can. You might also need some ear plugs or a fan to create a little "white noise" to help you sleep. I usually also take melatonin when I get home after a night shift to help me fall asleep. If you don't drink coffee or soda I wouldn't start out with an energy drink, unless its made with natural ingredients. I think the energy drinks have quite a bit of caffeine in them, so they might make you scatter brained or jittery. Maybe try green tea first? Also, stay hydrated and make sure to eat! Even if you have to just snack every couple hours. Eating a full meal might be tough, I know I got nauseous the first time I tried that.

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I like those 5-hour energy shots, but I usually just sip on it (maybe drinking it 1/4 at a time), starting when I first notice myself yawning but never later then 4 hours before clocking out (otherwise I I'll be up for awhile after getting home). Another tip unrelated to staying awake... Watch out if you're tempted to eat a big meal on the way home (hello drive-thru breakfast!) or after getting home and then going right to sleep... I gained 10 lb. in 2 months that way before I put on real pants one day and was like YIKES! Lol.

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Thanks for the tips!

Do you guys eat a meal while on nights? I'm not too concerned with it now, but after surgery I HAVE to get in 60 g of protein/day, so am thinking I'd have to bring a meal to have sometime! I start this Sunday! They will have me on days for a few weeks, so I can get trained on infusions and such, then will move to nights!

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Specializes in Peds.

You have to recover from your surgery and that takes some time and weeks before you have much choice on what you eat. Start with sugar free pudding first it will give you the biggest boost! Had the surgery two years ago and have had some problems. You'll need to eat little amounts all evening and that the hard part at first because it will be months before you register hunger pains. Good luck!

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How have you never stayed up past 3am?? Didnt you go to nursing school?? Just kidding. Once you body starts adjusting to the routine change you will get use to it.

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Thanks carterlee@

Krazieklutz, I have, but I don't think till 7 or 8!*L*

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