Graveyard Shift

[megananne7]

I am new LPN at an ALF and they just put up the December schedule and I am working mainly 11-7 after I get out of RN school. Here's my schedule:

Dec 14 - last day of classes

Dec 15 - 7a-3p

Dec 16 - 11p-7a

Dec 17 - off

Dec 18 - 11p-7a

Dec 19 - off

Dec 20 - 3p-11p

Dec 21 - 11p-7a

Dec 22 - off

Dec 23 - 7a-3p

Dec 24 - off

Dec 25 - 11p-7a

Dec 26 - off

Dec 27 - off

Dec 28 - 11p-7a

Dec 29 - off

Dec 30 - off

Dec 31 - 11p-7a

I also really dislike how I am being flip flopped between all 3 shifts. While I am in school, I am working only Sat & Sun 7-3 and for awhile I pulled a 3-11 one day a week but I haven't done that in a month at least.

I have only been working here for almost 3 months now, so my 90 days isn't up and I told the DON during my interview I don't know if I'd be physically able to work an 11-7. I also haven't been trained on an 11-7 shift, even tho I doubt there is much to it other than room checks and there's not really any meds to give other than PRNs.

The reason why my schedule has been changed so much was b/c the Med Tech they had for nights was fired r/t being found asleep on her shift and the other Med Tech they have for nights is on the December schedule in overtime.

I've NEVER worked this shift at any of my jobs and half the time I am exhausted by 9:30-10:00 and haven't been able to stay up past 2am. Anyone have tips for me?

[ERRNTraveler, RN]

Try to get as much sleep as possible between your shifts- if you're having a hard time falling asleep, take a couple Benadryl. Make sure you eat well- try not to load up on junk food. If you drink caffeine to give yourself a "pick-me-up" during your shift, just make sure you don't drink any too close to the end of your shift, or you won't be able to sleep when you're done! If you're not busy & you hit "a wall", try not to just sit around- you could end up falling asleep- get up, walk around, pace the halls, just find something to keep yourself busy!

[megananne7]

Haha, thanks. I don't know if the caffeine would work for me, b/c I know a lot of people can drink one cup of coffee and get jittery and can;t sleep, but I can drink a whole pot and be fine and go to bed soon after. :)

But thanks for the advice about keeping busy. I could definitely study for NCLEX-RN, but that in itself might make me fall asleep! :uhoh21:

[OncNewbie]

Turbo coffee from Dunkin Donuts & keep busy. Also, don't hesitate to get a cup of coffee before you drive home the next morning. Coffee will become your friend.

:) OncNewbie

[megananne7]

Is it really OK to be doing totally opposite shifts so close together, tho?

[OncNewbie]

It's really not ok to be doing opposite shifts like that so close together. I can speak from experience... because I've done it very recently. You could stick to your guns and absolutely refuse to do the shift but then it will make the nsg mgt have a negative view of you and your ability; they may think "she's not a team player". The real question is, "Do you plan on working their after you get your RN?" If you do, do the night shift but make sure you sleep in as late as you can the morning of your 11p -7A stretch. Stay up late the night before too. NCLEX flash cards are the best because you can do them in between tasks; I used to use them @ work when i was studying for the boards. Also, if you're not planning to work there after RN school, you don't have to kiss their butts! Anyhow, in Nsg homes they are more apt to use their nsgs but you don't owe them anything, you have to take care of yourself too.

:) OncNewbie

Good luck in whatever decision you make but set boundaries, I am willing to do... but I feel uncomfortable doing... It sounds like you already did this, so you're on the right track.

[purple_rose_3]

Whenever I get to tired I will run a few stairs! :icon_lol: