Surviving night shift?

[nugewha93]

I'm a newly licensed registered nurse who will start working next month. As you probably guessed, I took the night shift position. I'm all geered up for hard working and uncoming changes in my daily life schedules, but I have to admit that I still know only a little of it.

It will be greatly appreciated if you, experieced nurses out there could share your knowhow or wisdom on how to effectively manage your schedule (and even life) during night shift.

Thank you....

[waggy-2]

Hi. I,too am a night shift worker and have been for 14 years. I really like it. As other posts stated, you either like it or you don't. It does take a while to get used to. I like being home during the day. I was working 2300-0730 on a M/S floor, and about two months ago, I started working 1800-0630 in CCU. Enjoy my work and always have. The people I have worked with are great. I wish you good luck when you start your new job.

And remember eventually you will get to sleep.

[adellisrn]

I often take a gravol when I get home in the am.

[JennieBSN]

Originally posted by adellisrn:

I often take a gravol when I get home in the am.

Scary...I actually know what gravol is...lol!

[moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS]

need to take my own advice and turn off that damn answering machine!!!!!!!

[sharann, BSN, RN]

Hi nugewha93,

I'm a recent grad (6 months experience) and just got off orientation of 3 months during days.Days were great in the biorhythm sense,and the doc's and ancillary staff were easier to reach.BUT, having been on nights again(did it my 1st 3 months at another hosp),I must admit I find the night crew more friendly and kickback.There is more detail oriented stuff to do...stocking,updating care plans,crash cart check etc..,but after 11pm things do get slower and easier.Much more oppurtunity to LEARN when you are new.Also, my advice is the same as hotspam,kday and the others,and that is to stay in the night mode on off days.Switching back and forth is hell on your body and mind(thats how I lost mine my first night job 6 mos ago!).It may be annoying and take getting used to,but you have to trick your body into the new role reversal.Hey,it's 2:30a.m here,and I feel pretty perky! Good blinds and blankies help as weel. Good luck, and if you hate it,you can threaten to leave if not switched to days after a trial period,say 3 months. :)