Published Feb 25, 2008
AlwaysMovingUp
16 Posts
Hi all :) I recently ...VERY recently graduated....I start a night time position in about a month. While I am for sure a night time person, I am a bit nervous because I tend to have energy until around 3-4am, then I crash.
I've read the "no coffee after 3am," "drink ice water," and all that kind of stuff hints in a similar thread found in this forum...and the hints for staying healthy while actually working night shift are great, but I was curious....
Anyways to prepare myself -- mentally, physically, emotionally-- for getting on night shift before I actually start it?
Thanks so much! :)
EmmaG, RN
2,999 Posts
Well one thing you can do (if you don't have one already) is start an exercise routine of some sort.
I joined a women's gym, and stop by on my way home from work. Although it sounds like the last thing you'd want to do, I found it really helps me decompress and work off the stress after a long shift, and it helps me sleep much better. Even if I only pop in for 20 or 30 minutes, I notice it makes a big difference. If I'm scheduled to work that night, I'll skip anything heavy-duty like aerobics and go for stretches, a spin on the bike and some weights. Afterward a hot shower and light breakfast, then snuggle under the blankets.
CABG patch kid, BSN, RN
546 Posts
I just recently started a new position and have found the general consensus is that you have to see what works for you. Some people like to stay up late on their nights off, others get back on a daytime schedule. You'll have to try out a few things and see what your body likes.
I like what Emmanuel suggested because I find myself still thinking about work when I get home; maybe a trip to the gym is in order!
I just recently started a new position and have found the general consensus is that you have to see what works for you. Some people like to stay up late on their nights off, others get back on a daytime schedule. You'll have to try out a few things and see what your body likes.I like what Emmanuel suggested because I find myself still thinking about work when I get home; maybe a trip to the gym is in order!
The only drawback was that at that time of the morning the only people there are either the ones who are really into workouts (if you know what I mean lol) or little old ladies. At first, I found myself alternating between being envious of the former and praying the latter didn't keel over forcing me to do CPR on them.
That didn't last, as I learned to focus on myself (and the morning news on TV)--- and I saw just how damned fit these little grannies actually are (they can run me into the ground)
Chloe'sinNYNow
562 Posts
Emmanuel, you are funny!
those lil ole ladies are actually going slo-mo. You've just already been run into the ground by a full shift!!
But I like your advice as well. I must try it. Right now I get home after stewing up a good self-whooping and my biggest decision is red vs white!
How is it possible to eat right, run all day or night long and still develop saddle bags? where'd they come from? LOL
:pumpiron:
Chloe
RN-BSN, BA
Emmanuel, you are funny! those lil ole ladies are actually going slo-mo.
those lil ole ladies are actually going slo-mo.
Ah, you'd be surprised.
I had just started riding the bike one morning and a little old lady came over to the one next to me. She was pushing 80, maybe older. I thought to myself "ah, how sweet."
She started pumping away. So I went a bit faster too. She punched in a higher level, hill routine. So did I.
Thirty minutes later I'm thinking "DAMMIT OLD WOMAN!"
I was determined she was NOT going to beat me at this. But in the end, she out-lasted me... and never broke a sweat :stone
Her pores are clogged! She's dehydrated! No sweat left!!
Ah, what's the use? I'm just home myself and I'm achy breaky. I feel like I've been running a marathon all day. My legs are screaming!!!
Those lil ole ladies have all day to devote to reserving their energies into that treadmill.
I ain't gonna let em get to me!! LOL :sasq:
Tomorrow's another day! :roll
Rock on!