Night shift is depressing me!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2008

I'm sorry to hear that you're having a rough time. How odd that your entire orientation was on day shift. But anyway it take a long time to adjust to being a night shift worker, but you'll soon find a rhythm.

Don't do anything you don't feel comfortable doing, but also respect the routines of the shift. They've been doing it safely for years before you're arriving and they might just have a good thing going on. Sleep promotion is important. Rather than resist you might say, "I realize it might create more work for you, but just give me a little time to get comfortable and get a routine down." There are some patients you have to wake up at 0400 and others can wait.

Good luck and hang in there.

NeoNurseTX, RN · Nov 16, 2008

This is exactly why I insisted I do my orientation on night shift. I told them I wanted to be familiar with the people I would be working with - I was the first person to ever do it, but I am glad I did!

Jules A, MSN · Nov 16, 2008

What kind of unit are you working on? Is it crucial that you wake your pts up early? When I first started I really did rely on the judgment/experience of my coworkers in many situations with regard to how things would work the smoothest. They really did know best in most cases but that said I wouldn't have disgarded my own judgement in favor of someone else's on something that was life threatening of course. My advice for a new kid on the block would be to do what you can to fit in with your coworkers and especially your techs. :) I think it is important that they know you respect their experience and would like to learn from them. Like Tweety said you will find your groove with the hours and schedule, that just takes time.

Eirene, ASN, RN · Nov 17, 2008

Thanks so much for the replies.

I work PCU. The assessments are q2-4h, depending on the patient and their status. I'll take a good hard look at them at my midnight assessment and see if they can wait an extra an extra hour and a half to do their 4am assessment. We've had so many darn codes at shift change, perhaps that is the reason I'm so gun-shy.

As far as the techs; I've been getting my 0400 VS when I go in to assess and ask if they need to use the restroom. I thought that would be helpful. Argh. I am so sick of second guessing myself.

I was supposed to do the rest of my orientation at night (2 weeks). However, due to staffing issues, I didn't get to finish out orientation. I'm fine with that-- I feel that I had an excellent orientation on days and feel well-prepared.

I truly appreciate all of the comments. :redbeathe

RNrural · Nov 17, 2008

Just hang in there it will get better! I am also a new RN although I started the night shift as an LPN last January. It takes a few months for your body to adjust to working nights. Like me, you are probably a little nervous about your skill level and this causes us to be a bit slower...oh well. As your skill increases your comfort level will improve as well. As you become more comfortable you will not be so stressed and you will probably rest better. Make sure you allow yourself enough sleep and hydrate well. When you are rested you will feel much better. Give it all time you will do great. I have actually decided that I like the night shift!:redpinkhe

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Nov 17, 2008

I agree with the others. From what you told us in your post, the issue to me seems to be you adjusting to a new group of people, and being out of your comfort zone on days.

I was the same way. Once I learned who I was working with, and gained some trust, it all fell into place. Be sure to get enough sleep, and plan fun things to do on your days off...

Babs0512 · Nov 17, 2008

I'm of a slightly different opinion than some others.

First, give yourself time to adjust to the night shift, most people don't like it, but you must remember, most of us started where you are, and you must pay your dues.

As far as your assessments go, if your suppose to assess patients at 0400, then you do as you feel you should. Just because this shift has been "doing it safely for years" as another posted stated, doesn't make it right.

There are a lot of gray areas in nursing and you must practice in a way that you are comfortable with and that your patients will be safest with.

Chin up, it will get better

Blessings

APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP · Nov 17, 2008

I feel your pain Danibanani. It's got to be hard to go from a nurturing environment to one that makes you feel like you're all on your own. You mentioned that you had a nurturing preceptor on days, perhaps this preceptor can be a mentor for you? Have you talked to him/her and tapped this resource for ideas?+++++++++++++++

Another idea is to fill a crockpot full of some really good stew, or chili, or a favorite dish and bring it to work with you. CHOCOLATE also helps. Make sure your name is on it in the break room, and that you verbally tell folks that they are welcome to help themselves. If you can't appeal to people's heads or their hearts, you can always get them by their stomachs! LOL

Eirene, ASN, RN · Nov 17, 2008

I love the idea of bringing in some food! I've decided I'm going to make some homemade chicken and dumplings for a snack later this week.

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I really needed them.

blaaveispiken · Nov 17, 2008

First, give yourself time to adjust to the night shift, most people don't like it, but you must remember, most of us started where you are, and you must pay your dues.

I couldn't disagree more -- there are many shifts in many hospitals available to new grads other than night shift. I know some people who have tried to work night shift and end up getting sick all the time. Some people just physically cannot work night shift and as far as paying dues - in my opionion - working day or evening shift you are paying double dues!

Babs0512 · Nov 17, 2008

It's wonderful that we live in a country where you are free to disagree, good for you!

Blessings