Night Shift

bagladyrn, RN · Jan 21, 2011

I've worked nights for the last 28 years. I find the best strategy is to NOT completely "turn around" on my nights off.

When I am off I go to bed about 4 am and get up about 11am so that I still have plenty of time to do things only available during business hours and to get together with friends.

LadyTiger44 · Jan 21, 2011

All very good suggestions. I really need to get some blackout curtains. I have been using a eye cover but it doesn't completely block out all the sun. I think I am getting more into the swing of things. Philly-I am loving my travel nurse job. We do have to float more, but I am gaining some really great experience. I LOVE it down here in Florida, and it's so great to not be back at home (IN) in the winter! It's like there is no winter down here. Amazing.

TylerDurdenRN · Jan 21, 2011

IF...you have no kids and no day time commitments like me, just live 7p-7a even on your days off. It really isn't that bad, you'll never fully feel normal on night shift if you revert to normal sleep cycle (day shift sleep pattern), you always will feel like your staying up late working, rather than just plain old working. Plus its healthier on your body.

walk6miles · Jan 21, 2011

It takes the body an average of six months to "adjust" to night shift. I would suggest that you not take a travel assignment that requires night shift if you have not worked it consistently for that period of time. Some adjust quickly to a change as dramatic as that...........do the best you can (good advice on this thread) but get an assignment on your shift (days??) of choice so you can showcase your skills in a proper setting (and hopefully, AWAKE)!!!! Good luck.

tralalaRN · Jan 21, 2011

I've been a night shifter for a little over a year. I've really had a hard time sleeping longer than about 3 hours after my shift ends. However, I've discovered something recently that is allowing me to sleep 4-5 hours now. .and that is to not drink soda during my night shift. I can drink coffee and go to sleep and stay asleep, but for some reason, soda makes me wake up waaaay too soon. So if you're a soda drinker and are having a hard time staying asleep after your shift, might want to consider experimenting. I have found that working 3 nights in a row is better than skipping nights. The first night shift of the week seems to be the most difficult, but the next two are much easier.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2011

I enjoy working nights, and I am more of a night person anyway. Right now, I am returning to work after 3 days off. On my days off, I go to bed at a decent hour (around 1 am). The hard part is staying up in order to be able to sleep during the day again. So, for example, I woke up at 10 am today, and I will stay up till 630 am, in order that I sleep tomorrow during the day for my friday night shift. This is still better for me than going to sleep, waking up during the day, and then I'm screwed at night. Since I have mainly nights, the transition is ok.

I usually wake up around 430 pm, eat a good dinner, and pack something healthy to eat at work. No junk at 3am. I also use ear plugs, and a mask in the day. I try not to drink coffee or tea past 330 am at work.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2011

Also, I take one melatonin capsule about 30 min before I want to sleep. Melatonin works great to help induce sleep for day or night. I prefer it over any of the other sleep aids. No residual or "hangover" effects.

LadyTiger44 · Jan 23, 2011

I am finding it easier to get used to if I stay up and keep my sleep schedule on my days off. Got my blackout curtains up tonight, so I can't wait to see how good they work! Thanks for all the suggestions! Job is going good... I like that with nights there isn't as much bs to deal with as on days. I don't like that some nights just drag on though.