Does anyone work midnights??

kahumai, RN · Apr 25, 2004

I'm interviewing at a local hospital on the OB floor as a Student Nurse Associate, but the position they want me for is the midnight shift. It looks good to me financially because of a nice shift differential, but I'm worried that this will effect my sleep habits. My goal over the summer is to work, work, work....and then go down to one or two days once next semester starts. I'm just wondering if it's possible to mess with your sleep schedule so much and then go back to normal. Has anyone done this? Has it affected your sleep? Grades?

Carolanne · Apr 25, 2004

You're nice and young, you probably will be able to make the adjustment. My husband has worked nights forever. He used to bounce right back in his 20s and 30s, but now that he's in his mid 40s it's catching up to him. What you said about tapering down to 1-2 days a week once the fall semester starts is a good idea, I've seen people work nights 3-4 times during the week and then come directly to class afterward ... needless to say they were beat and their grades did suffer. Don't try to jam in too much, the money may be good, but your health means more. Good luck to you this summer, sounds like a great experience!

Carolanne · Apr 25, 2004

You're nice and young, you probably will be able to make the adjustment. My husband has worked nights forever. He used to bounce right back in his 20s and 30s, but now that he's in his mid 40s it's catching up to him. What you said about tapering down to 1-2 days a week once the fall semester starts is a good idea, I've seen people work nights 3-4 times during the week and then come directly to class afterward ... needless to say they were beat and their grades did suffer. Don't try to jam in too much, the money may be good, but your health means more. Good luck to you this summer, sounds like a great experience!

dansamy · Apr 25, 2004

My husband worked nights FT while going to school. (Airframe & Powerplant - he can kill several hundred people at one time!) Anyway, he was in his mid-20s when he did that. He was tired a lot, spent most of his weekends either sleepping or studying, but he made it through with a 3.8.

dansamy · Apr 25, 2004

My husband worked nights FT while going to school. (Airframe & Powerplant - he can kill several hundred people at one time!) Anyway, he was in his mid-20s when he did that. He was tired a lot, spent most of his weekends either sleepping or studying, but he made it through with a 3.8.

theblondeone · Apr 25, 2004

I'm doing it now and I'm only slightly nuttier than normal. LOL. I work 2 twelves a week (every Fri, everyother Sat and Sun) 7p-7a, and go to school on Wed and Thurs 7a-7p. It's not the greatest arrangement, but it does work. Monday morning after my Sun night shift, I sleep about 2 hours then get up and work on homework. Only sleeping for two hours allows me to sleep Monday night and get on a "regular" schedule for Wed and Thurs. Thurs night I stay up really late and sleep late on Friday so I can work Friday night without dragging butt. I never have trouble sleeping during the day on Sat or Sun, I'm usually exhausted.

theblondeone · Apr 25, 2004

I'm doing it now and I'm only slightly nuttier than normal. LOL. I work 2 twelves a week (every Fri, everyother Sat and Sun) 7p-7a, and go to school on Wed and Thurs 7a-7p. It's not the greatest arrangement, but it does work. Monday morning after my Sun night shift, I sleep about 2 hours then get up and work on homework. Only sleeping for two hours allows me to sleep Monday night and get on a "regular" schedule for Wed and Thurs. Thurs night I stay up really late and sleep late on Friday so I can work Friday night without dragging butt. I never have trouble sleeping during the day on Sat or Sun, I'm usually exhausted.

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Apr 26, 2004

I work Fri & Sat nights 7 pm-7 am on a cardiac/pulmonary/med-surg floor. It is an adjustment to get back to a normal schedule - but it is doable. How long is your shift? I find the 12 hr shift a bit more difficult than 8 hr.....but you get used to it.

casperbjs · Apr 26, 2004

I enjoy working nights! I have worked nights for a total of probably 20 years. I've been on second 2-10:30 since January this year, and I hate it! I want back on nights. I get more satisfaction and accomplished working nights. Then if I want to do something during the day, I can plan around my sleep. Then only I went to second is they did away with my job on nights. I'm hoping they will realize they need me back on nights. I don't know how much longer I can stand second shift!