New Grad starting on NIGHTS

CanadianRN16 · May 19, 2016

Will you regularly be working nights? Are you a heavy or light sleeper? It gets easier after the first couple nights, when you're tired enough to sleep during most of the day. I also take adhd meds.

I would pull an all nighter the night before if I were you, then sleep in and try to get in a nap prior to your shift. I take my medication prior to work, and hold off on taking it the day after if I want to get back to a normal sleep schedule. I never can sleep during my break, and end up being okay all shift if I get enough sleep.

I find drinking fluids and small snacks every couple hours helps me stay awake. The last couple hours of your shift will be the hardest, and the most demanding...but it's inevitable.

It can be difficult for some to sleep when it's light out...and everyone else is going about their day, getting black out curtains and noise cancelling headphones can be lifesavers.

Best of luck!

ajschwandt · May 19, 2016

CanadianRN16:

Yes, I'll be on nights probably till I'm able to move to days. I'm a pretty heavy sleeper. Just to clarify you take your meds prior to getting to work or like just right before your shift starts? Thanks for the advice it's much appreciated! I have never been a night owl and am nervous about this plus being the new kid on the block!

CanadianRN16 · May 21, 2016

Prior to leaving for work, so they kick in when I start haha. Sometimes right before I start, depending on my availability of food.

The nice part about night shift is unless it's an emergency, you can have the day shift follow up for you.