12 hr night shifts

[cesosa]

I have been offered a 12 hour nights job and would like to know how i can manage staying awake during the day on my off days so that I can be with my family? Thanks

[topaz1100, BSN, MSN]

I worked 12 hour night shifts for about 5 years in the past and now I work one week of nights per month. On night one I wold usually have a VERY hard time sleeping and end up struggling to stay up and NOT nod off at work. I would sleep the entire next day before the 2nd night shift. I have a lot of family who will help get my kids to and from school for me so I can sleep and NOT engage with my family. I know it sounds terrible but I have to sleep!!!

Long story short if you have a sitter/child care...use it and sleep during the day if you can. If you don't then you will struggle through the nights all of the time. It's expected to have rough nights and day when you just can't get enough sleep but you will find the balance once you start working the nights. I HATE nights because in my mind I'm away from my fam for 4 days not just 3 because after night 3 I sleep all that next day too.

Nights are tough for me

Some people love them though :) good luck!!