Rotating Shifts

[newRN_2014]

I will be starting my new job on the Observation Unit on rotating shifts very soon. How do you cope with the constant change in sleep schedule, how do you keep yourself sane, and how do you balance your work-life?

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

It is very difficult. Your first priority needs to be to maintaining your sleep. Black-out curtains, a white noisemaker, and ensuring a half hour of quiet without electronics before bed can also help.

If you can help it, find other work once you've got the experience. Rotating shifts are atrocious, outdated and often an indicator of poor management/high staff turnover.