New grad night shift

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Dec 5, 2017

There are a jillion threads on this topic. Use the search feature in the upper right hand corner of this page and you'll find the collective wisdom there.

My best tip is: Do NOT try to go without sleep in an effort to save $$ on daycare. You NEED sleep and your littles NEED someone fully aware of what they are doing at all times.

bex3 · Dec 5, 2017

Haha yeah I found all those threads after I posted this!

Thank you, I think that is great advice! I think everyone knows how expensive daycare can be, and I agree with you 100%

rachaelofcourse · Dec 5, 2017

I work night shift. I take a nap from noon-4 before work, go to work (coffee beforehand), and come home and sleep. I always make sure that I have at least 2 nights together, so that I'm not having to bounce back and forth a bunch. When I'm coming home from my last shift, I will take a nap, but not sleep the whole day. The thought of staying up to watch my kiddo has never crossed my mind, so I agree with paying for daycare/babysitter. I only hit a wall my first night (0500), and haven't had that problem since. My body has adjusted well using these methods.

2Bornot2bB · Dec 6, 2017

I have always worked day shift but transition to night shift a few months ago . Maybe because I am a morning person and I normally don't sleep much thanks to pre menopause but I don't see myself doing nights for too long because I can't sleep more than three hours once I get home .

I don't have problems staying awake during shifts , as I am too busy to even think about feeling tired and once I get home my adrenaline is still running high .

I tried OTC sleeping aid and prescription and still can only sleep 3 hours the days I work nights. I agree with previous post once I am done with the three days I come home and wake up in 3 hours I revert to day life because I am in grad school .But I hear from other people that are young they don't have problems to sleep so I hope that is your case ! Best of luck !