Night Shift

Nurses New Nurse

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New grad starting night shift. First shift was Sunday and I came home and slept 16 hours. How do I adjust. Is it easier to work 3-12's in a row or scattered out? I'm also a mom of small children.

Specializes in Emergency Department, Float Pool.

I'm going to night shift soon 7pm to 7am I hope to get 3 in a row, I worked nights before only when I worked doubles, my biggest is getting my room dark? Tips and tricks to being a day sleeper :) would be greatly appreciated

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2 nights on, 3 if absolutely necessary. Buy some room darkening shades for your bedroom. Turn off the phone. Get a "white noise" machine or use a fan to drown out sounds. Most importantly, friends/family need to realize that their 2 in the afternoon is your 2 in the morning. A few phone calls to them at 2 am might be needed in order to make your point. Try to take a nap before going in your first night on...it makes it feel more normal to wake up, have some coffee, and go to work. I have been on nights for 10 years (except for one dreadful year spent on 3-11) and i love working nights.

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Specializes in Emergency Department, Float Pool.

I work 11 am to 11pm now and u feel like I never see my kids I'm hoping nights will be better for my family

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I not long ago did 6wks of nightshift straight. I've found that when I have severe periods of insomnia it's better for me to be doing something then sleep when I get home wake up 2-3hrs before I start do housework (I'm a single lady) and then go....also do shopping online and pre cook meals

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I also work night, 11p-7a, for the past year and I can't get on a schedule to save myself! I go home and am usually in bed asleep by 9 and I will try to set the alarm for 6:30 or so but I hit snooze until 10p. All I want to do is sleep. I'm really starting to get depressed and hate my nursing job.

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I work 11-7 , for nine months now, I'm used to it but I live in a world where.I can't sit through a movie without taking a nap in the middle, no matter how much sleep I get. I still feel good but I know I'd.be healthier on days. That being said, I always have my evenings and never wake up to an alarm. Booyah day shifters. It's.a lifestyle, I guess...

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Specializes in Emergency Department, Float Pool.

I worked my first night, I came home showered and hit the bed, I felt I was in a deep sleep until about 1230 then every little noise woke me up, I have a white noise app on my phone, so I cranked it up and continued to try sleep until 1600, now it's time to go back to work...ps my kids are home for the summer....and I need suggestions on getting full sleep or will it just take time? I might have to send to grandmas for the summer

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