Help!!!! New Nurse! I need Advice.

[OdieRN]

To all nurses and future nurses:

I have this crazy situation and I don't know what to do.

In April 2008, I started working on this general floor. I did days for 4 weeks and now I am on midnights.

Days were crazy and hard for me but I could handle the day schedule (as far as waking up early and getting off at 7) I am now on midnights and I love how it can be slower but have a hard time with the sleep schedule.

So I feel bad because it is only 2nd day on midnights, however, I sleep till 4 pm on my off days. I feel depressed and bummed because I am sleeping when the rest of the world is awake. Reminder this is only my 2nd day of working midnights ever.

I work homecare on the side and i like it (I was just a contractor and worked only 1 pt or 2 pt per week). My boss just offered me to work 2 partime "days" on home care where I would see 10-15 pts. So, I would be doing 2 day, 12 hr midnights also on the floor.

I really want to work homecare fulltime but I don't think anyone would hire me right now.....My current homecare place doesn't offer benefits, so that is why I work at the hospital. I have only been a nurse since I passed my boards in Feb.

Please help!

THanks!

[imanedrn]

What are you asking for help with?...

[candyisdandy]

Hello My name is Candy and I worked nights since 2001. It is hard getting used to it.

Homecare is wonderful and less stressful, but you have to crawl before you walk. It will take time getting used to(the night shift I mean). I take a nap from 8pm-10pm. Work 11-7. I go to sleep in the morning at 8am(husband willing) and wake up at 1pm. Exercise at 2pm. So when I get up its still daylight. Fight against your body. Sometimes you want to sleep all day but don't do that. Get up at least by 2pm so you can still enjoy your day. I hope this helps you.

Night Shift Rules!