Realize I'm lucky, but still struggling with 12 hr day shift

Nurses General Nursing

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I do realize that I am lucky to be able to work straight days and not have to rotate shifts, that really throws my body for a loop. But, I'm having trouble with the 12 hour days. First, 7a is just too early for me. I have to wake up around 5:30 and I spend all night worrying about if I'll wake up or not. So, I'm tired to start with. I usually do pretty well once I'm there and I like the job itself. Then, around 5 or 5:30, I just feel myself crashing and the rest of the shift I feel exhausted. I can't really do caffeine at that time of day because then I really won't sleep. I thought I'd get used to the schedule, but it's now 10 months and I'm still having trouble. On my days off, I do go to sleep and wake up about an hour later (so 6:30 and 9:30/10 instead of 5:30 and 9/9:30).

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks so much!

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Specializes in ER.

You didn't mention if there were any other options, but I know many ED's, mine included, offer a variety of shift start times based on expected volumes. We have shifts starting at 0700, 0900, 1100, 1300, 1500, and 1900. I work 0900-2100 and love it. It is not so early, and you still get home in time to get a normal night sleep. So if any later shifts are available, go for it. If your hospital does not offer an alternative shift, see what the volumes are at different times, and maybe they actually need an overlap and you can volunteer for a later shift! I've worked 1100-2300 as well and it is not bad at all.

Good luck!

Edited to add...I thought this post was in the ED section, but realize it is not, but it may still apply. You may be able to be a trend setter :)

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I am too, really, really struggling with the 12-hour shifts. So trust me, I feel your pain.

I work nights and there are so many interruptions with traffic and other things during the day.

I have used 1/4 tablet of an over-the-counter sleep aid and it does help. It is enough to keep you asleep but not enough to make you feel like you are drunk when you wake up.

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Thank you both for your ideas. We definitely get most of our admissions later in the day. Hmmm... maybe staggered start times would be something management would consider. Thank you for the idea.

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Have you tried caffeine earlier on in your shift? I would always have one around 3-3:30 and found that it really helped. It takes a while to get used to the 12 hr shift. I too had the same issue as you not being able to sleep and then being worried whether or not I would wake up in time (so never really did sleep well).

I tried to do something relaxing before bed, bath, cup of tea, watch a movie and never actually went to bed too early (since I found this just made it worse). Sometimes this worked, but for the first little while I did use an OTC sleep aid (very rarely and I think for about a month or so). Then I got used to the shift and was able to handle it better and the relaxation techniques worked better for me. Of course there will always be those days when you are exhausted! Be sure to get enough rest on your days off!

Good Luck!

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Specializes in NICU.

I agree with the earlier caffeine - like around 1400. Also, when precepting, I've noticed what I call the 5 o'clock syndrome - everyone shuts down a bit around that time, even "seasoned" nurses. Come to think of it, on the night shift something similar occurs around 4am. I think it's just part of the 12-hour shift.

You mention worrying about getting up on time - I've had similar anxiety on occasion. You've GOT to get rid of that!!! A solid sleep will make a huge difference. Assess what you are really worried about: getting up? packing a lunch? remembering all your stuff? Then address that issue. If truely is getting up, set a multitude of alarms. If it's lunch or stuff, pack it the night before and/or make lists. ...way back when I was in clinicals I would wake up or stay awake to remember crap for the next day. I put a small notebook and pen by the bed. When I thought of something, I jotted it down, then I was able to sleep peacefully, rather than stay awake "memorizing" what I needed to do in the AM.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, PICU.
I do realize that I am lucky to be able to work straight days and not have to rotate shifts, that really throws my body for a loop. But, I'm having trouble with the 12 hour days. First, 7a is just too early for me. I have to wake up around 5:30 and I spend all night worrying about if I'll wake up or not. So, I'm tired to start with. I usually do pretty well once I'm there and I like the job itself. Then, around 5 or 5:30, I just feel myself crashing and the rest of the shift I feel exhausted. I can't really do caffeine at that time of day because then I really won't sleep. I thought I'd get used to the schedule, but it's now 10 months and I'm still having trouble. On my days off, I do go to sleep and wake up about an hour later (so 6:30 and 9:30/10 instead of 5:30 and 9/9:30).

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks so much!

I used to be along the same line as you. First, I prepare everything the night before (lunch, scrubs, bag, etc). I take 5mg of Melatonin about 1 hour before bed (2015 I take it). I sleep pretty well with that. I set 2 alarms for the AM. Get up right away and shower, get ready, make a small breakfast (like toast) and coffee. Around 1400 I get my afternoon snack. It's usually something chocolate.

Since you're used to getting up early in the morning, on your days off, you'll still be getting up early. Somehow today, I slept in to 0930 which is very rare. I wake up around 0630-0700. I ususally just lounge around until 0900. Then I'll start my errands for the day. It's just something you need to manange.

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Thank you , guys. It makes me feel better that I'm not the only one!

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Working 12 hours is not healthy for your body. Its just to long of a shift. I work usually 50 miles away from work so I add on 2 hours or more of commute time so the day ends of being 15-16 hours. Your tired at 1700 because your body is shuttung down cause its tired! The next day after a couple of 12 hour shifts Iam wiped out and just sleep. I used to think something was wrong with me until I asked other nurses what they did on their day off and there like nothing just relaxed and slept. Try making sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat energizing snacks throughout the day, get enough sleep each night before working. Good luck!

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Work two days, one ofF, one on. Little break between. 3 twelves in a row can be killer.

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Specializes in Cardiac, PCU, Surg/Onc, LTC, Peds.

I never work more than 2 shifts in a row and get up at 0400 and watch a show from the DVR. It de-stresses me 1st thing by watching Criminal Minds or CSI instead of thinking of the job. I also set 3 alarms on my phone and another on my regular alarm clock. I've never overslept in the past year since I switched from nocs.

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I agree with setting multiple alarms if that seems to be the biggest reason you can't sleep. Set your regular alarm clock and take your cell phone to bed with it's alarm on. Try listening to a mindfulness meditation or relaxation before bed. You can find lots on youtube, these also help deal with anxiety in general. Try the one labelled "deep relaxation" here Guided Meditations

Also, make sure you are eating enough during your shift! I have to eat at am break, lunch and supper breaks when I am working 12hr days...lots of good stuff like fruits and veggies with your meals!

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