Brand new nurse, starting on third shift

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Specializes in Orthopedic, LTC, STR, Med-Surg, Tele.

Hi everybody,

I'm a brand new nurse, just passed NCLEX at the end of July. I've been orienting 7a-7p on my unit at the hospital since July 15 as a grad nurse, but tomorrow night is my first night from 7p to 7a :confused:.

I was just wondering if anyone had some advice for me... I'm really scared about getting enough sleep, gaining weight, etc. People at my work or outside of the hospital find out that I'm starting third shift and are immediately like OH GOD THAT'S TERRIBLE. I need a little encouragement, and advice.

My fiance has worked third shift before as a police dispatcher, so luckily he knows what the deal is and is very supportive about being quiet in the house, etc.

I'm just nervous that I'm going to fall asleep driving home, or worse, fall asleep at work. Also, that a patient will die in the middle of the night on me and I won't find them for awhile. And when I work two nights in a row, that I won't get enough sleep and be exhausted the 2nd night. Plus I'm scared I won't see my family or friends anymore, because I'll be sleeping and working. People tell me also that working on third shift makes you gain weight like crazy.

Well that's about it. I'm really nervous, but after all lots of people work third shift at some point and it doesn't wreck your life. Trying to be positive but I have never worked third shift before :crying2:

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I'm looking forward to the replies! I'm also a new RN and I'll be starting 12 hour shifts soon. It'll be days in the beginning but then it'll be nights. I'm glad I found this thread bc I myself was about to post something similar. Any advice experienced nurses can give the new RNs?! :)

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Congrats to both of you on getting a job.This must be very exciting for you guys,i recently took nclex in late july and also passed.i'm in the new york area and trying to find a job.What area are you guys from and best wishes in your nursing career.

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Hi mo2rn! Congrats! Isn't it such a relief?! I live in central florida and I love it here!

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After all the hard work in nursing school it sure is a great relief.I'm just anticipating starting my new career.I need to get that one year experience.I used to live in south Florida its pretty nice but worlds apart from NY its like a total opposite fast paced and comfortable paced (florida)

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Specializes in Ortho.

I sincerely believe night shift is what you make it...if you go in with a positive attitude the most of the time you will have a positive experience. There are so many opportunities to learn on night. I started out as a new grad on nights and 2 years later I am still there and loving it.

As far as getting enough sleep...you will quickly learn what works for you..but always make sleep a priority. It is good that your fiance works nights too!! Same goes with exercise...you will not gain weight if you still make time to exercise. I usually don't exercise on the days I work (I work 3 12 hour nights). AND always pack your lunch! Don't rely on the cafeteria/vending machine!

Lastly, if you are worried about not finding a pt. for several hours..don't be. If your floor is anything like ours...there is someone in and out of the room every hour (sometimes more!) between you and the CNA. Never a dull moment because somehow pts. never sleep at night...haha!!

Good luck and let us know how it turns out! :nurse:

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

I used to work the 7p to 7a shift and I loved it. No docs, families, labs, tests, etc. You'll keep busy enough, though. Unplug your phone, get dark shades for your windows, a small fan produces white noise, get plenty of sleep. Very important to pack a lunch so you aren't in the vending machine looking for lunch.

I loved working only 3 days/week. Congrats on the new jobs!

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Specializes in ER.

there are a ton of threads on here on this topic. I work nights, have for a year now. I'm married, have kids, busy life, etc. It can be done. I find I have more time to catch up on sleep than working days, less supervisory/management infringement, and you go the opposite of all other day people traffic. It's offputting for a social life, if you care about that sort of thing, but just means you have to find those that are on your schedule or plan things for your days off. I sleep when I have time or more importantly, WHEN I'm tired. I let my body dictate when I'm tired and I sleep when I'm tired. Sometimes that feels like two days in a row, but I haven't gotten sick yet, so it must be working. I haven't gained weight, though my workout routine is all over the place - I haven't figured out what works best, yet. Definitely can't work out on the nights in a row I work. Too tired to do anything else. Definitely bring healthy snacks, drink water, and don't eat crappy foods.

Other than those tips, the other big deal about nights is the shift differential and where I work we have night bonus contracts that work out to $900/3 months if you don't call out more than once. So that is worth working nights right now.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

I'm a new grad and will be working nights, too, although in my case it is 11:00pm-7:30am five days a week. I don't think it will be too bad because I'm a night person anyway and also I will still have somewhat of an evening before I have to go back to work at night, so I should be able to still spend time with my kids, workout (I hope!), eat dinner with my family, etc. The five days a week is a little daunting, but I am working on a mom/baby unit, so although I expect to still be busy the work shouldn't be quite as crazy as some other units.

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I'm a new nurse as well and will be working the night shift starting next month. At this point i'm just happy that i got a job. I wouldnt mind gaining a few extra pounds on the night shift either because i'm pretty skinny. i'm just a bit concerned that it may not be quiet when i get home in the mornings to sleep.

After working for a year you can move to the day shift if you dont like the night.

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Specializes in Home Health.

Suggestions: keep moving, eat high protein snacks. Have something with you to munch on in the car on the way home - I liked multi grain Cheerios. When you leave in the morning wear good sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes, it can confuse the body and make it hard to go to sleep. Most important, if you feel you cannot stay away, please do not drive your car, please. Best of luck to all of you. Night shift is usually a fun group.

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Kimesha101-same here!! I wouldn't mind gaining a few pounds either. That's a never ending task for me. :/ It was difficult finding a job and I'm very grateful I found such a good one even though it's nights. I would have preferred days but I'm looking at nights in a positive way! The differential is definitely a bonus

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