How to prepare for precepting on night shifts

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I am a senior in nursing school, and just received my first preceptor assignment. I am precepting 1-2 times a week from 7p to 7a. I'm extremely apprehensive about working nights because I naturally require a lot of sleep, and get physically ill if I'm extremely tired. I have worked overnight a few times before, and it has never ended well. I've found that if I drink coffee beforehand and work throughout the night, for some reason I usually end up vomiting. If I can fit it in, I'm sure I will attempt to nap before the shift, but I'm usually so anxious before a clinical, I can't get a wink of sleep.

The solution would be simple if I could completely convert my body over to working night shifts - sleeping in the day and working at night - but I still have classes in the day so this isn't possible. Overall, I'm extremely anxious for this clinical and I have no idea how to prepare for working nights. I want to feel good and awake and be on top of my game, but I have no idea how where to start, and my poor track-record with working overnight and getting sick is really intimidating me.

Any suggestions from people who need a lot of sleep like me?

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Specializes in Cath Lab & Interventional Radiology.

I would not drink coffee if it makes you ill. Coffee often makes me sick to my stomach too. I find wearing a sleep mask helps me to get better sleep. :sleep: If you are very concerned about being unable to perform safely, perhaps you may contact your school and get reassigned to a different shift. Good luck! :up::nurse:

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Coffee makes me sick too. I work nights 7p-7a all weekend. I attend class 7/8-13:00 during the week. It's a killer, but my poison of choice is hot tea or dr. Pepper. Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

You do realize that as a nurse, you will work nights? Don't guzzle coffee..it can cause nausea. Half way through a shift I would "freshen up" brush my teeth, freshen up my makeup, apply deodorant take a brisk walk on my break. I prefer tea but you can option for a mountain dew or red bull once or twice a shift. Try to get a nap or at least lie down. It will be hard because you will be switching between schedules which is always hard. When you are sleeping protect your sleep space.

Good luck.;)

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Specializes in Cardiac Critical Care.

I agree with the "freshening up" tip - that will help wake you up! Especially the brisk walk. Now that the weather is starting to get cooler, it'll be even easier to wake you up!

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