In need of some advice

[taraleesky]

Hi everyone!

Good news: landed my first job! I graduated in May 2010 passed NCLEX in June and was just offered a job this week at my local hospitals transitional care unit.

Bad news: After orientation I am going to be working night shift. I am not a night person at ALL, I am always in bed by 10pm and up at 6 or 7am. I'm nervous I wont be able to adjust? Also I enjoy being busy and since I have never worked a night shift in my life I was wondering if they are busy or if there is alot of down time?

I know it may seem like a silly thing to worry about especially since I am lucky to have even gotten a job, but I was wondering if there are any other morning people out there that were able to adjust to night shift okay?

Thanks everyone!

:redbeatheTara:nurse:

[Macbs4]

We share some things in common, so I can relate to your post - such as preferring to sleep 10pm to 6-7a; having never worked nights before; being a new grad slated to work nights.

First, being a new grad, you won't be bored on nights for a while. It will take a while to get adjusted to the new routine. At my hospital, we have 8 patients on night shift (6 on days), and have more paperwork on nights.

I've only been on nights for a few weeks - was scared 'bout changing my sleep routine but was able to do it. There are many other threads here regarding suggestions on how to adjust your sleeping routine for nights... find those and use the suggestions that you think will work for you.

The true reality of working nights (just my opinion) is you're not working just 3 days (nights) - you're working 5. Why, because you have to spend the day before and the day after adjusting your sleep patterns.

On a positive note (others here have mentioned this), you get to spend more quality time with your patients (not always, but sometimes).

Congratulations on passing NCLEX and your new job. You can do it.

[taraleesky]

Its so great to hear from a new grad who is going through the exact thing I am! It is nice to know that I will be busy on the night shift....nothing I hate worse than sitting around being unproductive. Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post you have helped me feel like I can do this! As well as everyone else has....this website truly is a gift and because of it I will go into my new career more confident and ready to go!

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

THank you for that advice KatKonk I think the only way I could live a normal life is to do what you said and readjust my routine. I appreciate you giving me this advice, I'm starting to think that I can do this thanks to you guys!!!:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe

And you will be surprised how productive you can be!! On your days off, staying up late with no one to talk to (hahaha-that is why all-night shifters have to stick together), you will get allllll your laundry done, all your ironing done, all your dishes done with NO problems at all. And you will do your grocery shopping late night when no rug-rats are in the store and it is not crowded. It really isn't a bad life, you know. I was probably more productive on all night shift than at any other time. I also have to admit that I did use Benadryl, and I used it after shift for about 7 years. There really isn't any downside to diphenhydramine that I found, except you have to drink more fluids. I use liquid benadryl so that I can give myself 1/2 doses, so that I won't be groggy when I wake up. I slept better and felt better. But, of course this isn't medical advice, and if you have HTN or any other chronic condition, or take other meds, be sure and ask your MD. And be sure and lay down firm rules with your friends and family regarding "after what time they can call" and turn off cell phone, etc.

[leslie :-D]

I am a night person, stuck working days. UGH....

off-topic for just one moment, please?

katkonk, why not trade hours with a colleague who works nocs?

i'm certain someone would jump at the opportunity to work days.

op, much luck to you.

i'm sure you'll do great.

leslie

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

off-topic for just one moment, please?

katkonk, why not trade hours with a colleague who works nocs?

i'm certain someone would jump at the opportunity to work days.

op, much luck to you.

i'm sure you'll do great.

leslie

I don't do "traditional" nursing now in a hospital. Work in ASC's, there is only day shift. Or I work in

Occ Health...also only day shift, and no one to trade with.

[pedicurn, LPN, RN]

In Australia we do rotating shifts

I hate doing nights and have had to make a big effort to adjust my attitude and see the positives.

Making sure I get enough rest and sleep is very important. Plus exercise and good nutrition.

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

In Australia we do rotating shifts

I hate doing nights and have had to make a big effort to adjust my attitude and see the positives.

Making sure I get enough rest and sleep is very important. Plus exercise and good nutrition.

I had one position where we had rotating shifts.....ARGHGHGHGHGHGH! It was like being in Hell! You could never adapt to any one shift. It is cruel and unusual punishment! My sympathies to you for having to rotate shifts.