*New Cardiac RN Advice*

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Specializes in Alzheimer's Unit, Cardiac.

hi! i'm a new grad that just got my first job as a rn on a cardiac intensive care stepdown unit on night shift (7p-7a). they normally start new grads on night shift at my hospital. i will have about 10wks of training which also includes acls. also, my floor allows for self-scheduling. any advice on this floor, on working night shift, or about being a new rn? i'm very excited but i don't know many experienced nurses that i can get advice from. should i schedule my nights in a row? also, i plan to work some weekend nights too because of the pay. any tips? thanks in advance! :redbeathe

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Specializes in New Grad RN CCU.

I am also a new grad RN about to start working the night shift! I haven't yet worked a night as a RN, but I heard that the following tips work for some:

1. Have a pair of ear plugs for home. The day-time sounds are enough to keep anyone awake!

2. Sleep with a fan on. Some say that the sound is soothing and helps to drown out noise.

3. Try putting sunglasses on before you step outside after work. Seeing the sun in all its brightness might be a bit much if you're planning on hitting the sack soon after getting home.

I start nights next week, so I'll let you know if I find anything else that works for me. Hope you'll do the same!

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Specializes in Alzheimer's Unit, Cardiac.

Those are some good tips. I worked a few night shifts during my senior preceptorship and it was very strange but do-able. The day before the night I worked... I woke up earlier than normal and did everything I needed to do for the day and then "went to bed" about 3pm for usually only about 2.5-3 hrs...woke up, ate, and then went on to the hospital. I didn't normally feel tired till about 3:30 am. Then I drank coffee or a caffienated drink which helped. I may invest in a white noise machine or a really nice alarm clock with built in sounds like white noise. Ear plugs are a good idea until its time to wake up! haha!! It will def be something to get use to but I think I can manage it for the extra $. I'm hoping it will be okay b/c I usually can't go to sleep till around 1am anyways.... We will see!!!

Anybody else got any tips/tricks/advice??

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Specializes in ICU, med/surg.

I've been working nights for a year. I think it's best to schedule your nights together or have atleast 2/3 nights off in between in one week. Somtimes you (like if you want to work a weekend, you could do Mon, fri, and sat.) Sometimes you can even schedule yourself to have 6 or 7 :) You'll learn what you like and what your body can take. Eat healthy and eat before you go into work. Don't do like I do sometimes and not eat before you go in, then shove anything and everything into your mouth at 1am. (That can make you sick). I like nights, I don't want to do it forever, but hopefully you will adjust well. GOODLUCK!

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Specializes in Alzheimer's Unit, Cardiac.

Thanks for the advice!!!!!!!! :) I start orientation tomorrow!

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