Midnight Shift And The Rest Of The World

rn/writer, RN · Dec 1, 2009

My husband and I have worked noc shift for years. When calling for appointments, I specify that I'm looking for something after 3:00 PM. Or I schedule appointments for days when I've had the previous night off. I also ask them not to make reminder calls until after 3:00. I sometimes have to wait a few days to get in to see a doc, but that's life. Most people have been good about working with us, especially after we get to know each other.

The other option is to try for an early bird appointment and see the doc before you go home to bed.

ayla2004, ASN, RN · Dec 1, 2009

Im in the UK office hours are 8.30-17.30 for doctors not every day isa the same but late day appoinments are offered or my suggestion stay up and have an ealry one not good when your tired but query doable.

Your sturggle is like many people who work full time during the week cant get in to see doctors/dental etc the service isn't there.

nessa_5555 · Dec 1, 2009

Yes for the dentist (which was an emergency appt) I had to wait two days to be seen at 0800, then had an hour long oral surgery, so it was 1000 by the time I got to bed. But as you say that is life. I dont mind doing that I just wish some of the people gave a little consideration. Just frustrated. Wish Canadian doctors stayed open that late. My doc stays open till 2000 on Wednesday but its booked solid for a month in advanced

mcpkin · Dec 1, 2009

I know how you feel, I usually get to work at 1750 until 0725. Sleep from 0830 to 1400, if I have something to do that day. Otherwise I try to sleep until 1500. I also try to schedule appt, when off the night before, however not always possible. I think there are always going to be people who don't understand what it is like to work nights. When my adult children make plans to go shopping or out, they want to leave around 1300, when I say later they say " you've slept all day" love them but they have no idea.

nessa_5555 · Dec 1, 2009

I know. My boyfriend thinks because I "Sleep all Day" that I should do all the cooking, cleaning, running around, etc. And that I have no right to be tired. Clueless!. haha

rn/writer, RN · Dec 1, 2009

This is one of the advantages of having a spouse also on noc shift. He totally gets it because he lives it with me.

We live in a parallel universe, driving the opposite of the heavy traffic and shopping when stores are deserted. We go out for breakfast sometimes if we were able to carpool, and on our off days, we will do lunch and an afternoon movie. There are compensations for swimming against the tide.

My boyfriend thinks because I "Sleep all Day" that I should do all the cooking, cleaning, running around, etc. And that I have no right to be tired.

Try calling home at 0300 just to see how he's doing. Ask if he threw in a load of laundry or did the supper dishes. If you do it tongue-in-cheek and without getting angry, he might start figuring it out. If not, at least you'll get a chuckle or two along the way.

Ruthiegal · Dec 1, 2009

It does drive you nuts. I used to make mine early so I could go home and sleep afterward. That helped some, my favorite was attending staff meetings at 1pm...right in the middle of my sleep time.... arrrrgh! The day denizens just don't get it.... call them regularly at 3am and see how they like it! Hang in there.

Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2009

Right there with you! Had to reschedule the kiddo's dentist appts cause I am a NOC'er. They dont even care when you say, I have to work till 0730 that day, I need the latest you have! Ivanna

Sewbusy~RN · Dec 1, 2009

Drives me crazy too. Especially when people say "its just for an hour" and they don't realize its the middle of the night to us. arg. I usually try to get the 0800 appointments when I can, or schedule for my days off because I'm such a wreck if I don't get enough sleep. You know what else irritates me? When my neighbor mows his lawn or someone calls at one in the afternoon. By that point its too hard to get back to sleep but I haven't had enough sleep. Ah the joys of NOCs. At least the money is good.

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · Dec 1, 2009

I know. My boyfriend thinks because I "Sleep all Day" that I should do all the cooking, cleaning, running around, etc. And that I have no right to be tired. Clueless!. haha

My kids used to think that too until I made them help me clean house do dishes etc. from 2 am to 5 am My Hubby worked nights too Plus after they grew up and would call me at noon for nothing I started calling them at 3 am I did that to a lot of my friends and relatives They seem to understand better when you make them adjust to my time. as for appointment If they try the 1 pm junk I ask them if they would like to go to the appointment at 1-2am They get it much easier. I am never hateful though. The majority of the world do not understand night hours and the only thing you can really do is keep telling them.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 2, 2009

I find it highly irritating when my family (parents) don't understand, especially around the holidays.

For instance, I work 1900-0730 on December 24 & 25. I told my mother we would not be at her house for Xmas until around 1700. Her answer was "can't you come earlier and catch up on sleep later?"

Ummm... no. She still doesn't get it and never will.

But I love the people I work with at nights. It would be hard to give it up for that reason.:heartbeat

Best,

Diane