Ever quit night shift b/c you couldn't "deal"?

Nursesuzi · Apr 17, 2005

Believe me, before I started nights I researched sleep conditions (I slept in my walk in closet which is pitch black on a twin bed with a temperpedic type mattress topper, with ear plugs, fan, upplugged the phone, took ambien, valerian, benedryl, melatonin, you name it. I was so determined to make nights work- I am a new nurse who was previously home w/my kids for 10 years. Nights was the perfect job to not effect my kids lives. Boy was I wrong. I was irritable, short tempered and talk about forgetful. I lapsed entire conversations I had with people. Learning a new job like L&D where you have alot of autonomy and responsiblity (and little memory of things you've learned) was like being in a mind warp. Before nursing I was a total morning bird. God up at 5am to work out, read whatever. I think what I've learned is that you cannot change your body sometimes, despite what you want in your heart/mind. And it's not worth risking your health and being a martyr if you have choices. To those of you who thrive on nights- I'm jealous. I love my night crew and once I'm on night shift it's awesome. I'll miss that. But not my crazy, b-chy personality the rest of the time!

:rotfl:

I have been on nights for most of the last six years. I am a night person, but I take my sleep seriously. The room is dark, I have an air conditioner that I run for white noise. The phone ringer is off. Nobody, but nobody is to bother me for anything.
I did days for a short time and I really hate getting up at so early. So early is defined as anytime before the crack of noon.

tendeRNess · Apr 18, 2005

Sometimes no matter what you do, you have to respect your own limits. I can't do day shift, I'm just not awake before 10am. :uhoh3: A good manager will understand and help you find a place that is a good fit. If s/he doesn't then go find a place that does. You can't sacrifice your life and health.