Advice for a new grad starting on graveyard shift?!!

CaliBoy760 · Jul 11, 2014

My second nursing job was NOC's at an LTC. And before nursing school I was a Sleep Tech working nights for three years. Believe me, you will be so busy doing your two med passes and charting, that you won't really have time to even notice how tired you are.

As far as sleeping during the day, I suggest that you buy some eyeshades while you get used to sleeping when it's daylight. I would also take an OTC sleep aid, just to take the edge off and allow you to relax.

Some people like to stay up and then sleep until it's time to go to work. I perferred going to sleep as soon as I got home and waking up mid-afternoon. That way I had a couple of hours before heading off to work. You will find out what works best for you.

ponymom · Jul 11, 2014

A good healthy diet. No caffeine, no smoking at all on the shift, healthy food and lots of water. Eat a healthy snack on the way home and drink more water. Maybe a nice little walk (if you have a quiet place) or sit on your porch a bit if you're keyed up when you get home. I live rural, so when I worked nights, in the summer I slept outside in the shade of my big maple by the pond or on my porch... heaven. I dislike night shift, but I made the best of it. The biggest part is a healthy diet and no smoking.

laKrugRN · Jul 11, 2014

I'll be honest..coffee is what got me through night shift haha.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jul 12, 2014

Please change your user name and avatar. This site tends to be more rather than less anonymous for a reason, and sooner or later you're going to wish you weren't so easily identifiable. There are several threads about this.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/using-your-photo-816336.html

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/about-that-avatar-900567.html

https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/please-dont-use-907925.html

There are also many threads about how to survive and thrive on the night shift. Here is one:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/night-shift-newbies-531465.html

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Jul 12, 2014

Ear plugs. A really good set of comfortable ear plugs. Just as soon as you get to sleep your neighbor will decide that the tree nearest your window needs trimming...with a chainsaw. Get blackout curtains for the windows and keep your room a comfy temp. When I worked nights I stopped drinking caffeinated drinks 4 hrs before end of shift. I kept the same schedule. I ate light snacks at night as heavier meals tended to make me feel much more sleepy. Try not to load up on carbs at night. They really don't help. (Other than to add weight.) Turn off your phone(s) and put a notice on the door that you sleep days and do not want to be disturbed. The first few days are abysmal, but it gets better. I truly thought I would die and wasn't going to be able to work at night. Fortunately, I did not die and was able to adjust ok. I did always feel tired, never quite reaching that fully rested sensation. But was fully functional after about a week. Best of luck and grats on the new job. :up:

amoLucia · Jul 12, 2014

Another sleep tip I heard about is that you should wear sunglasses BEFORE you get outdoors. Has something to do with tricking your sleep 'hormones'/brain that it's still dark out night time.

There are numerous posts here on AN re what occurs on 11-7. Quite a bit of good info.

And like another poster said, you'll prob become very busy and won't have time to be sleepy on the job.

Also, good advice about changing your user name & pix here. No such thing as anonymous in social media.

Good luck.