How to stay awake during NOCs in PDN?

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So I'm not a great night person & I'm gonna start NOCs. It's hard enough working nights but in PDN it's even harder because you don't get up & walk around. So what does everyone do to stay awake during night shifts in PDN?

Isometric exercises work wonderful in short spurts, also i like a website for listening to movies, I dont think im allowed to link it here, so just do a search for a site to listen to a movie, loads of tv and movie audio streaming, all perfectly legal on the one i use. i can message it to you if you like.

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

I have a word of caution. If you feel at all sleepy, DO NOT rest your head back and get comfy in the chair. Just saying ...

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Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

Many great ideas here, ones which I use daily! I keep a strict sleep schedule. I might go to bed 2-3 hours early on my nights off, so I can enjoy a few extra hours w my family the next day, but it's important to stay close to your schedule 7 days a week so you don't get jet lagged. I think of it as not being on an odd schedule, but I consider myself living on Sidney, Australia time! I take melatonin before sleep every morning. I use darkening shades and use a white noise app on my phone. I make sure I get at least 7 hours of sleep each day, and if I get less, I take a 1-2 hour nap in the evening before work. I try and eat well, and take vitamins, ESPECIALLY vitamin D w calcium. We overnighters are very susceptible to vitamin D deficiency, and I've been dx w it twice. Vitamin B in a super formula is great for energy, cheaper than a 5-hour energy drink and arguably the same effect. Good luck!

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I am hooked on audiobooks, so I play a good book on my iPod with one earbud in (so I can hear my pt stirring, alarms, etc) . Not only does this keep my mind going, but it makes some of he night time tasks (disinfecting, organizing supplies, cold sterilizing, etc) much less tedious. This works really really well for me. Hope this idea helps someone else on noc's!!

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I have a seizure disorder and cannot do nights. Trying to keep my Meds in line was difficult and had a few seizures. Be careful. Keep a structured routine and keep tabs on your Meds.

Good luck!

suz

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I agree with other people. I keep one ear bud in, I also have a portable travel fan that fits into my bag. I keep it on for a combination of white noise and circulation... Usually the lack of an air current will make me pretty tired.

8 bought the O2 cool usb fan because it gives you the option of batteries or being plugged in... Plus, it's on 10 bucks at places like the home Depot.

I also bring my tablet with me.

My other life savers vary on the weather between a rock star or hot black tea or herbal tea with honey.

Usually when I come home in the morning I fall asleep pretty fast. I usually wake up in the middle of the day and do my errands and then sleep again for 2 or 3 hours before my shift.

I've actually found the nights to work better for me mentally than a day shift ever did.

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