first night on nights=(

[erin01]

I am on nights now and i still have 2 weeks of orientation left. I did my first night sunday night! IT was really weird, much more quiet and less stress than during the day! But i felt so stupid! it was hard for me to concentrate i was not at my sharpest. i got a real wave of depression at 5 am thinking of my love ones sleeping at home. IT was so hard=( does this get better? does it get easier to stay awake and sharp at 1am? i feel like if i cant make nights work i may have to quit=?( i have already asked for day opening and was told there was a list. I have never been a night person! I like being up early and feel its when i learn the most. what should i do? uggh i work again tonight and am already dreading it. i did like how less stress there was but not sure if it was a typical night or not. any adv or suggestions?

[Ruthiegal]

Your first nights on Midnights is never easy, your body is used to that daytime schedule. You will get used to it, but make sure you are getting your sleep during the day. Darken your bedroom windows, use white noise, like a fan to block out outside noise, and make sure to turn off the phone, if you need for family to be able to reach you get a pager or use a cell phone by your bed. Try to eat light lunches, heavy ones will make you sleepy, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and it's pretty normal to hit a slump around 4-5am. Once you have worked the shift for a while you will find your own rhythm and find ways to help stay awake and alert. Give yourself a little time before you quit altogether... I Have worked this shift for a long time... if you have further questions, you can PM me.

Good Luck, you can do it!!

Ruthie a.k.a. Mydnightnurse!

[pinkiepie_RN]

I love working nights as a new grad and part of why I love it is because it's a bit less stressful than days (I work on a high pt turnover inpatient psych unit). I've always been more of a night owl and I like the camaraderie of working nights and working as a team. 4-5 is normally when I get up and walk around or get a drink of sorts. Unless I'm working 2 shifts in a row, I normally run some errands when I get out of work and get to sleep between 9-10 and wake up around 5-6. I know if I were working days I'd be running around like a chicken with my head cut off because there's so much going on!

[Sparrowhawk]

It gets easier! First night is a PAIN in the...well. I hate first night going back to nights..darken your room, drink energy drinks..caffeine just makes me sleepy. My days off I just stay up in the day and spend time with my family/friends so I don't feel so depressed about working nights...(I have always hated them) The pace is slower, and sometimes boring..but it gets better *Hugs*