first time working third shift!

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

So I recently got a prn job as a pca at an assisted living facility. First of all, its my first patient care job, second of all i decided to try third shift my first day to see if i would like it.. I plan on doing mostly doing 3-11 and maybe some 7-3s on weekends, but maybe an 11-7 every once in a while on a friday like i just did.

the job it self seems really cool, and i think if i could get my body used to it, i might enjoy the overnight shift. however, my body seems to not enjoy being up all night. I was good the first half of the night, then around three i started feeling kind of tired. all of a sudden i got really nauseous and promptly at 0330 i went to the bathroom and puked my brains out for no apparent reason other than i was up at 0330. after that i took my break and drank some water and ate a few crackers. i felt better for the rest of the shift but was REALLY tired. i could barely keep my eyes open, especially sitting still at the nurses station. thank god the girl that was training me was going around to give meds so i followed her around and being on my feet kept me awake.. barely.

i woke up around 1330, and i feel weird, kinda like i have a hangover. haha. does anyone have any tips for surviving an overnight shift? i slept the day before from about 10a-2:30p, then again from about 8-10p.. i suppose next time i should bring some snacks or something.

[Queen33FutureLPN, CNA]

Try an energy drink that should help you stay up and not be so tired.

[whatwasithinkinglol]

Lots of coffee, eat light and find things to do! Read the nursing books, ask questions, clean up areas that aren't necessarily your responsibility. Keeping busy helps with the "mind over matter" of 3rd shift.