First shift on night

[gtoko]

Well here I go, about to do my first shift of nights. Please think good thoughts and prayers this way. I will post my progress. Thanks to all for your kind words and support. I am going in:).

[CvpRN]

Good luck on your night shift..At first it's kinda fun and you really feel hyped up about a new schedule. But as time progresses..it will change you. You will start to lose your friends and care about sleep more than anything. Please keep us informed.

[lkwashington]

I work night shift. I enjoy working nights. I am in a relationship...he understands my life and takes me as I am. I dont have any children so it makes it alot easier to work nights. If you start losing your friends they werent your friends. True friends dont have to be there everyday. Friends should understand that you are making a positive change in your life by improving yourself. Good luck to you.

[lorazepam]

Welcome to nocs! I used to work nights in a hospice unit...some people would call it graveyard, I said, "We don't call it graveyard here..." lol.

I worked nights for 3 years. I loved nights. Not a lot of in and out by medical/ancillary staff. Just you and the patient. I called my shift, "The Clean Up Crew" because we did chart checks, re-filled charts, renewed medication orders, etc. In my experience over the 3 different facilities I've been through, night shift has a special camaraderie! Especially when its time for breaks. Don't be fooled into thinking you need to eat all night to stay awake! Drink plenty of water. This past year, I stopped eating at night because I met another nurse who didn't eat. I wasn't really hungry, I just thought I had to eat because I was awake. When I got home from my shift, I ate. When I woke up from my sleep, I ate...maybe napped again, then ate again before I went to work.

Have fun tonight!

[Nursey103, ADN, RN]

First night is always the hardest....it will get easier to stay awake!

[Pongoo]

Good luck on your night shift..At first it's kinda fun and you really feel hyped up about a new schedule. But as time progresses..it will change you. You will start to lose your friends and care about sleep more than anything. Please keep us informed.

Wrong. Your true friends will figure out a time with you to meet. It may be breakfast now instead of supper. If you keep to your schedule the entire time your on night shift you sleep 6-8 hours. The same as if you were on first shift.

Drinking plenty of water is a great tip! Helps keep you awake. Ecspecially later on in the shift when you want no caffiene.

Best of luck! Am cheering for you!

Also have worked 7 years on night shift total.

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

I love nights. I have worked nights for 3 years now by CHOICE. Ive always been a night owl so for me its really not very hard. I never sleep at night, even on my days off.

It seems that people either love or hate nights.

[krenee]

Yes, the first night shift was TOUGH. However, I adjusted much better than I had expected and right now wouldn't switch to days if I had the option. I love my co-workers and the schedule works for me. My best advice is treat your days before your night shift like it's night-time! Don't get up and do stuff - you wouldn't go to an appointment at 3am so keep that mindset. Schedule stuff for your days off, or request days off when you have stuff you have to do. I like room darkening shades, with a sleep mask, and a fan running to help with outside noise - ear plugs bugged me but the sleep mask doesn't. Also melatonin is my friend. Don't drink coffee after maybe 3am. Ringer turned off during the day. Protect your sleep time, it's hugely important.

Best of luck!

Kelly

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Good luck gtoko!!! we are all here thinking of you and wishing you happiness.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

Hey, that's great! Keep us posted. Remember, some night shifts can be kinda fun, so enjoy!

[Lucky0220]

Good luck on your night shift..At first it's kinda fun and you really feel hyped up about a new schedule. But as time progresses..it will change you. You will start to lose your friends and care about sleep more than anything. Please keep us informed.

Real nice encouragement for the OP. And this is your very first post?????

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

good luck on your night shift..at first it's kinda fun and you really feel hyped up about a new schedule. but as time progresses..it will change you. you will start to lose your friends and care about sleep more than anything. please keep us informed.

not all of us take offense to your post. hey, everyone's allowed to voice their own point of view! we don't all have to agree with it!

wecome aboard!:smokin: