Need to sleep...

GigLs2u · Jul 16, 2005

In Houston there are hospitals that offer 12 hour shifts. They are typically 7-7 from what I have seen. Generally, a manager will agree to odd hour shifts if you can get a partner to split the days.

Good Luck,

Joy

I've been working for about 6 months now and I found that whenever I have to work I can't sleep... If i'm off I have no trouble sleeping, but when I know that I'm working the next day I can't sleep. After self analyzing myself I realized that I'm keeping myself up by worrying about falling asleep... Yes, I know my problem but I don't know how to solve it. I've taken nyquil, benadryl, calms forte, and other otc sleep aids but they don't work on me. I've used relaxation techniques. I'm 21 years old and I've never had this problem. I worry about how this will affect me down the road. I need to work, but I don't want to go to work with no sleep because I know that if I was a patient I'd want a nurse who had rest. Does anyone know of a job that offers an 11am to 11pm shift? I'm willing to relocate just about anywhere (in the US) just for this... I'm getting desperate. Thanks for your time everyone... Any input is greatly appreciated. Sorry for any wrong spellings or wrong grammer... I didn't sleep much last night...

purplesdk · Jan 15, 2006

NEED SLEEP TOO...

LearningRN,

How has your sleeping problem going? I too have had that problem. I use a sound machine (white noise) to help me to sleep. Also you should talk to your Family Doctor about putting you on a low dose sleeping pill. I have tried Remeron. It helps, but I have to take a very very low dose or I have hang over effects for days. Might talk to your doctor about some of the new medications they have come out with too.

As far as a hospital offering a 11am to 11pm shift I do not know of any. All of the hospitals or nursing homes I have ever applied for a job with have only 12 hour shifts and they are set shifts. I currently work in a rural nursing home which has gone to 8 hour shifts. I work graveyard shift. I can't decide which is better, working 12 hour shifts and having more days off (taking 2 of those days to recover from the 12 hour shifts) or working 8 hour shifts with having only 2 days off. Both are exhausting and taxing to me. I have also worked Agency. I like this type of work because you can set what days and how many days per week/month you wish to work and you are paid well. If you do not mind traveling, you might consider doing some type of Agency work.

Hope this helps.

Sheri

Graciegirlienurse · Jan 15, 2006

My hospitals regular 12hr shifts are 7-7. A float pool RN who is flex(no benefits, higher pay, self schedule) can schedule themselves for anytime they want. in four hour blocks you can work 4-16 hours/day. There a people that I know who work 11a-11p in the float pool.

I use melatonin for sleep, it is natural, no hangover, and I am refreshed after 6 hours. Melatonin 3mg is a good dose, according to the research anything lower is no very effective.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2006

About an hour before you need to go to sleep, drink a glass of red wine. A daily glass of wine has health benefits. In addition, I fall asleep quickly after consuming a small amount of some type of alcoholic beverage.