Switching from nights to days

[Exhuasted]

I asked to move to day shift and I was moved IMMEDIATELY, no more night shifts ever. I love working nights but I can't handle what it's doing to the rest of my life. So my first day shift is tomorrow. I graduated in May and aside from orientation I've only worked night shift. I went to nights because I've always been a night owl and I thought it would just work. But I guess not. I'm nervous about adjusting to early mornings and the general day shift chaos, all the back to back admits and discharges and all these people running around everywhere, all that good stuff... BUT! I know I WILL adjust, I wouldn't go to days if I didn't think I could, but I'm just anxious about the initial transition... so, any advice for making a smooth transition?

[Buckeye.nurse]

Hopefully your manager gave you at least a few days off between the shift changes. I do think the switch to days is easier on our bodies than trying to switch to nights. With that being said, it will take some time to fully adjust. I do have a few tips...

Put everything you will need in the morning (keys, purse, badge, shoes, phone etc) in one spot so you aren't frantically running around in the morning looking for that one thing.

I like to lay out my scrubs/undershirt/socks the night before. I also try to pack my lunch before I go to bed.

Coffee makers with timers to start when your alarm clock goes off (or a few minutes before) are your best friend!!

Don't forget to make plans for defrosting/warming your car on cold winter mornings. I usually start my car, then sit down to sip coffee, eat a bowl of cereal, and read a good book for about 10-15 mins to get my brain started for the day.

As for actually working day shift...yeah, it's busy, but I actually prefer the steady pace of dayshift to the lulls and then rushes of activity on night shift. If you don't already, find a good organizational sheet that works for you. I personally like to get to work about 20 mins early to briefly look up my patients, and prepare myself for the day--but many of my co-workers don't, and are fine. Be patient with yourself as you adjust, and don't neglect lunch! Best of luck! :)

[Kitiger, RN]

That's great advice from Buckeye.

Another thing; don't be surprised when your coworkers don't get it.

When a nurse begins to work nights, the other nurses understand how hard the switch can be. They will grab a sleepy-looking nurse at 3 am and they'll briskly walk her up & down the hall. They will put a cup of coffee - or some kind of caffeine-laden beverage - in her hand. They will understand.

When I switched to days, it was a whole new ballgame. I found myself sometimes bumping into door frames and tripping over shadows at 2 pm. My body screamed that the middle of the day was SLEEPTIME! The other nurses told me that I wouldn't be so tired if I just went to bed on time. ("It's your own fault.")

They just didn't get it.

I asked one nurse how she would do if told to go to sleep at 10am and sleep all day. Could she do it? How would she feel at 3am? She admitted that the switch to nights would be hard, but switching to days should be easy. (!)

If you could get a week off to acclimate to days, that would be really helpful. If not; you can do this. It gets easier each day.