Changing Shifts

[Nursechef]

I have been a Nurse mainly in ICU for 30 out of 33 years.Most has been staff and local agency. I've done travel nursing about 11 years and all of this has been mainly day, first 10 1/2 yrs. Evening 8 HR shifts. So hereI am with everything being on day shifts and never night shifts, always knowing the higher pay is on night shifts. The best travel opportunities have been night shifts and all of the coolest places like Hawaii have been night shifts. I'm 53 y/o. I look young, finding myself back on staff at good rates. I am hopeful that I can work and enjoy nights, get away from day shift politics, enjoy a good bump in salary and I believe I will be happier in my career overall. I have a few questions for those of you who work nights. 1-meals... When do you eat on 12 HR shifts? Any foods that keep you more awake or avoid that would make you sleepier?2- How many days on and off do you work that would be a good transition for an easy transition?3-Exercise....My weight is up, I need to lose weight, would like to know how to plan when to go to the gym.I know once I get off the day shift and the stress and enter into less stress I can eat healthier foods and take care of myself better.

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

I work 3 in a row- gym in the am on day one, nap in the afternoon then showtime, 7p-7a. Gym in the am before I go home. It's the exact same as a day schedule, but the times are 12 hours off. I eat when I wake, mid shift and before bed. Good luck with nites :) I wouldn't have it any other way! Ivanna

[MandalynnRN]

I work 3 in a row 7p-7a. I try to stay up pretty late the night before (maybe 3am) then sleep in as late as I can. Usually end up waking around 1400 (yes, 11 hours, i love my sleep haha). Go to the gym, come home shower, make my dinner, eat something before I leave then leave the house around 1800. I find that exercising before work actually gives me more energy. I tried going to the gym when I got off my shift once, but I almost passed out...not doing that again. I usually eat around 0100, but some people eat as early as 2230. I don't eat anything in particular to help me stay awake, just nothing too heavy to make me feel blah and nothing too stinky to heat up in the microwave (like fish or something with strong spices...just as a courtesy to my coworkers). And if I'm starved but can't take my break yet, I grab a cheese stick. I've learned that I have to make a conscious effort to drink water at work. I keep my water bottle in front of me while I'm charting so I can stay hydrated or else I won't even think about it and end up only drinking 8oz during my whole shift.

[Bec7074]

Do as many in a row as you can. I am a fitness girl and I usually never do anything strenuous if I worked the night before and have to go back (maybe a few stretches, sit ups, and squats). But I work out all other days. I think working nights helps you eat better. I only eat 2 meals a day during the work streak (one when I wake up around 1600 and one at work around 0000). Caffeine doesn't really effect me in terms of sleeping. The only thing that bothers me is having to get up and pee multiple times while trying to sleep. I try and slow down on fluids after 0200. Good luck with nights! I love them and think the pay is soooo worth it!!