Night Shift!!! How do YOU stay awake?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Nursing school.

Hello,

So, I absolutely LOVE working night shift... and for me to stay awake consists of sleeping well during the day and using caffiene and energy drinks to stay awake...

What do YOU do to stay awake during night shift?

--Kelsey :rolleyes:

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I work weekend nights and go to school/clinicals during the week. So I try to stay out late on Thursday night (play pool or something) so I can sleep all day Friday and get on that night shift schedule. I usually get a cup of coffee around 3am and I'm fine. Then after my Sunday night shift I get just a few hours of sleep so I can go to bed at a decent hour Monday night and be up at 4:30 Tuesday morning! :) Not always fun but it's worked so far!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Save some busy work for 3 AM to 6 AM. Seems like most people start to nod off during those hours. Get busy charting, knitting, or whatever and those hours will go by fast.

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Specializes in Nursing school.

Haha, you sound like me...I'm working Sat/ Sun nights right now then going to class monday...haha

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I have been trying to adapt as well. Are any of you getting nauseus? I get incredibly nauseus around 4am. I dont drink energy drinks, but I have been having a big coffee around 9pm. I have trouble eating at night due to the nausea.

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Specializes in Hospice.
I have been trying to adapt as well. Are any of you getting nauseus? I get incredibly nauseus around 4am. I dont drink energy drinks, but I have been having a big coffee around 9pm. I have trouble eating at night due to the nausea.

I eat a little snack every few hours and during my lunch break i sleep for the 30 minutes (were allowed to) I don't drink energy drinks but i do sip on soda throughout the night and occasionally drink a coffee or hot chocolate.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing, Orthopediacs.

I take a walk look on my pts. because about then I am charting for hours. Getting up and walking usually wakes me up. Do not eat a big meal that seems to be a key.

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Specializes in ER.
I take a walk look on my pts. because about then I am charting for hours. Getting up and walking usually wakes me up. Do not eat a big meal that seems to be a key.

I agree about not eating a big meal. Lots of healthy little snacks that keep you at a consistent energy level. Eating too much really gets Mr. Sandman interested in me.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.

I'm just naturally energetic throughout the night. But when I first started my job, I had to work days....I frequently felt nauseous then!

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Specializes in Emergency Department, House Supervisor.

Get the best sleep you possibly can during the day. I did this by investing in black-out curtains for my windows and earplugs when my kids were going to be home while I slept. Also...turn off the phone while you are sleeping. Give instructions to all kids and spouse to call your cell in case of emergency and then put that on vibrate.

For me, getting sleep during the day was the key.

Hope this helps.

SyckRN

PS...I still gained weight and got depressed partly because I am bipolar and night shift work is BAD news for manic depressives.

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I make sure to SLEEP a whole lot of hours before my shift. Currently, I work Thurs N, Sat A, and Sun N. On Thurs, I go to school from 2-4 so I try to sleep early on Wednesdays to wake up by 12 or so and begin my weekend excursion. Luckily, I am able to listen to music which keeps me awake. I don't use caffeine too much :)

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Specializes in Psych, EMS.

Talked my doc into prescribing me Concerta. I know it's controversial but it's done wonders for me :)

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