First time working night shift?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I am just starting a part time PCA night shift job WHILE still in nursing school. Does this sound like a bad idea? I only have classes 3 days a week but I am worried I won't be able to fall asleep on nights that I need to...Night shifters, What was your experience like transitioning to nights?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

It ain't easy. Your body wants a schedule. But it can be done. Wouldn't recommend working the night before or after school. I used to use melatonin and benadryl to reset my sleep schedule when I worked rotating shifts. It helps, but doesn't fix it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

Be patient with yourself and remember that you aren't violating a commandment of God if you don't happen to get enough sleep prior to a shift. You also won't be unsafe or be falling asleep in the middle of a code brown. Make sure you have a day off in between work and class so you can have your zombie downtime day.

You may be tempted to schedule yourself so that you work before a class day so you can have more time off for yourself where you don't have anything going on. This may or may not work for you. I went and visited a homie on campus after a shift yesterday and was ultimately up for nearly 22 hours. The day prior I was up for 28 hours by the time I went to bed (I couldn't sleep before my shift but it was fine -- I didn't die). Sometimes this happens. I don't feel like I'm going to die today and I was fairly productive, even though I only got about 3 hours of sleep yesterday and went to bed a 9PM last night and woke up at 10:30A today. Ultimately, it depends on how terribly busy you are on your unit. When I was a nursing assistant, there were some nights where I felt like I had run a marathon -- some patients caused my body's patience to wear out before my mental patience had. But, as an RN, I don't have as much physical stuff going on at night so I don't feel as exhausted when I get home.

In the end, you do adjust -- I don't recommend taking Benadryl or melatonin, I'm more of a Kava fan but I only do that when I know I'm not working so I can benefit the most from the relaxing effects of the stuff. If you happen to not get a great day's sleep prior to going in, know that you definitely will the next day. Also, if you find yourself having nausea during the night or day from all the circadian upset, do yourself a favor and take some omeprazole q24h PRN -- it will really help prevent sad things from happening to your gut.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/surg/ortho.

It'll take some time to adjust but it'll get easier. It's important to maintain a strict sleep / wake schedule otherwise you'll find yourself sleeping way too much. Your gonna be tired and when your off for a few days turn your sleep back around if you want to have any sort of normalcy in your life.It's exhausting but you'll get used to it and find what works for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment