My first night shift... help!

oldpsychnurse · May 7, 2016

Always try to get as close to 8 hours of sleep as possible during the day when working back-to-back nights. Benadryl is your friend. And on your first night (assuming you work 2-3 nights in a row) always try to get at least a 2 hour nap prior to going to work. I've been doing this for almost 6 years and believe me, if it wasn't for the outrageous shift diff I get there's no way I'd be working nights. But some nurses love it. Good luck to you.

Zelda, RN · May 7, 2016

The night before my shift, I try to stay up until 11 or midnight (later if I can, though I don't usually make it). I sleep in as late as I can (anywhere from 9-11), then get up for a few hours and do some light things around the house, then sleep from 12/1-4ish. I have an hour drive to work, so I always make sure I'm up by 430 (415 if I haven't showered). If I have a few days off, I'll take a nap when I get off work (usually sleeping from 10-2 or 3) then go to bed around 10/11 that night and get up whenever the next morning (usually between 9-11).

Night shift is a struggle for me. I don't sleep well during the day, even with Benadryl. If I'm working back to back, I'm lucky to get 6 hours sleep (930-330 usually). I feel nauseous and have horrible heartburn 9/10 shifts. I'm biding my time until a days position opens (usually takes about 6 months on my unit). I'm not a morning person, but once I'm up I'm up, and my body handles a normal circadian rhythm SO much better.