Any tips for overcoming isolation/depression on working 3-11 or nightshift?

bargainhound, RN · Jun 12, 2006

I know that co workers I have had in the past met people after work and stayed

up later into the night when they were working 3-11. They had quite an

active social life.

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2006

I know what you mean. I work 12 hour nights. Everyone's afraid to call in case I'm sleeping. My husband and best friend work similar hours, but that's it. My family is clueless.

KR · May 5, 2008

What about joining an after work bowling or pool league to meet some new people?

bagladyrn, RN · May 5, 2008

Back when I was young and working 3-11 I found that after a while most of my friends were musicians. I'd make it in time to catch their last set, go out to the diner after or if I didn't feel like going out they knew they could stop by any night and I'd be awake.

My oldest friend is still working in the clubs and calls me when he gets home at 3-4 a.m. Since I work 12/nights now we catch up on my nights off when the rest of the world is sleeping - been doing this for 35 years now!

ShayRN · May 5, 2008

I have been on evening shift for 10 years now and I LOVE IT! I get to sleep in every day, stay up as late as I want and don't have to wait in the line at the bank, EVER, lol. Seriously, you will find a new way to make things work. Just give it time.

miko014 · May 5, 2008

I work 2nd shift too - sometimes it's really hard, like you said. I go long stretches of time without seeing my friends, and sometimes I get really lonely. BUT, it has it's up sides. I only work 4 days a week instead of 5 because of the shift diff. I can stay up late and sleep in, just like ShayRN said. I can go to the grocery or bank or whatever when there aren't as many people out there, so it's not so annoying and crowded. Look for the bright sides, and be honest with your friends - tell them that it hurts you when they don't save some time for you, and see if maybe they just don't realize they are doing it. If you don't have a pet, gettting might be a good idea - it's nice to have somene who is happy to see you when you get home!!! Also, see if some other evening people want to go out after work - several of us go out for a coke and some seriously horrible food after stressful shifts!! Chin up, hopefully things will get better for you!

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · May 5, 2008

I worked 7p - 7a for 3 years. I adjusted to it somewhat, but was never "normal"...was always tired, never saw my family/friends, etc. It is nice to the effect that you can sleep all day and stay up all night, if thats what you like. But my body finally just couldnt do it anymore and I went to dayshift. Working 3-11 doesnt sound bad though, not like the shift I was working. But if I were doing 8 hour shifts, I would prefer to do the morning shift so I could have my entire evening free, with work out of the way for the day. If you are having problems with it, I would go straight to sleep once getting home so I could get up early and have the entire morning and afternoon to do things and enjoy spending time with my friends. OR stay up all night and sleep all day. I dont know, its hard either way you go. Good luck!

aeauooo · May 5, 2008

I loved working 3-11 because I was a night owl anyway. Working ICU usually means 7 to 7, and I refuse to work nights.

I live in New Orleans, so having a 3-11 schedule (and being single) would mean that I could get out and hear some great music every night!

As it is, I try to be in bed by 10, and nothing happens in this city before then.