Need advice transitioning to nights

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Just took an ER tech job which I'm really grateful for since my hubby just lost his job but it's nights 7pm-7am. I've never worked nights, I'm in nursing school, I have 3 kids ahhhh!!! I think I'm just overwhelmed right now.

So my question is how do I prepare? I start in 3wks after orientation & skill testing/training. Do I start staying up? But how? I get tired & ready for bed like at 1am then I wake up at 5am. I don't sleep as it is I've always slept late & woke up early but I can't seem to stay up until 7am. What if I can't do it? I really need this job especially right now!!! :(

I know it's gonna be hard with school & kids but if I have to I've been looking to transfer to WGU just in case. It's my first quarter in school so… anything to make this all work for my family!!

Any advise/tips pleasssseeee!!!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Your first- and most important - step is to arrange your sleep space. Blackout curtains, a fan for white noise, no phone/ electronics, and a sincere, heart-to-heart with the people who live at your house about how you NEED to sleep.

There are lots and lots of threads on here about this very topic- read them.

MMJ: 36 years on nights and counting...

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I worked night shift once in a while during my last yr in nursing school and I loved it since, like you I don't really sleep at night lol. My situation was a bit different since I was working at a jail at the time, but what i did to make it through was just walk around every hour. Sitting too long tends to make me sleepy lol. I just accepted a part time (nights! Woohoo) job at a hospital and I'm looking forward to it. Congrats on your ER job! I had a friend in nursing school who worked as an ER tech and he learned a ton!

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Thanks so much for the good advice!! So when do I start transitioning? Should I gradually stay up longer and longer? I'm scared of falling asleep or feeling sick from not sleeping that first day more then anything. :p

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I have worked nights for a few months now and already feel like I can't do it anymore because I work one day shift a week as well so I'm flipping my schedule every week. If you only are working nights and can maintain that sleep schedule all week you should be fine. I usually just nap for a few hours before my first shift and I always work three nights in a row. Eat lots of snacks throughout the night and as long as it's busy you should be fine. Blackout curtains are great to ensure adequate sleep during the day. Some people love nights and are just night people and others use coffee and a positive attitude to get by:) good luck!!!

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Thanks for the advice!! I'm hoping to work consecutive nights. I know they are all nights but I don't how I will be scheduled yet. I have 3 very busy boys so I'll see how I manage lol for sure I'll be on coffee!!

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Coffee works best for me before my shifts and around 330-4. That time seems to be the worst time for everyone. Good luck!

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