New Graduate Shift Concerns

[CG1114]

Hi. I am a new graduate, and recently started in the pediatric hematology/oncology floor at our children's hospital. Working in the children's hospital had been my dream throughout nursing school. When I went in for my interview, I asked about their shifts. I was told that, "This is for nights, but then again it all depends on staffing so you could move to days."

Originally, I thought that I could be fine with nights. My dream was children's, so I thought that it wouldn't matter if I worked nights as long as I could have the position. However, I neglected to take into consideration that I have never been a night owl. I am awake by 4:00 in the morning, and fall asleep by 9:00 at night. I have never stayed up all night in my life, and I have never been able to nap during the day (not for lack of trying).

Going into nights, I find that it is absolutely miserable. I try every trick that I have read about/been told by other night shift folks and nothing is working. I get maybe 3 hours of sleep in between each night shift, and I often feel sick. I have the blackout curtains, I use a sleeping mask, I try to get into a rhythm. However, my body is so set on staying awake.

I feel very guilty because I don't want to ever come across as a new entitled nurse who just can't handle her job. I spoke with my manager and was told that I could start doing three weeks of days, three weeks of nights (all consecutively) and she seemed very nice/understanding. I have not started this yet, but expect to soon. What are your thoughts on this type of shift?

I guess I am looking for some advice. I respect seniority and understand that doing just days is not likely, and that is ok. Others have been there longer than me. I also just don't want to sacrifice myself, so to speak, and I have been afraid to speak up about this because I didn't want senior nurses to think that I was just complaining/being entitled.

Anything is helpful! Thank you for reading this.

[JKL33]

I'm not sure it makes sense that if you are having trouble with an effective sleep routine this would be improved by switching back and forth q 3 weeks.

Maybe I'm wrong.

How long have you been dealing with this?

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Consult with a sleep specialist. Your circadian rhythm is horribly askew but there may be non-pharm and pharmacological solutions available. You just need to get thru a year. Hang in there.

[Wuzzie]

Swing shifts are just going to make it worse.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

You need to trick your body into thinking that day is night and night is day.

If the sun is coming home on your drive home- buy a pair of sunglasses that has a lighter lens (light grey)

When you get home avoid TV, computer, and turn on least amount of lights as possible. Bright TV and computer screen makes your eyes think it is daytime.

Go to bed as soon as you get home and have a dark bedroom.

When you get up, go outside in bright sunlight for 30 min or go on your computer and set your monitor on bright setting for 30 min.

When you get to work, avoid turning the lights down at the nurse's station and hallways until the last few hours of your shift.

On your days off, keep your same schedule. Do not attempt to switch back to a day schedule. Your body will never get used to a night schedule.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Quote

Your circadian rhythm is horribly askew

I think her rhythm is more normal. More people are up early and go to bed early than vice versa. I am one of those that my best schedule would be 1500-0300. I am not a morning person, but I hated nights-that 0400-0600 was brutal for me. And I had trouble staying awake driving home.

I agree with others that swing shifts are going to make it worse (we have 2 weeks days/2 weeks nights for new grads-that is horrid).

I am one of those that can sleep anytime. Melatonin might help with adjusting your rhythm. It sucks that you get your dream job and have a hard time.

I got my dream job 6 1/2 years ago and had to do swing shifts, I made a deal during my orientation about working all weekends to stay on days. I still had to do 3 months of swing, but I ended up getting what I wanted (still a weekend option nurse). Perhaps you can work out something with your manager.

Hang in there!!!!!

[NewOncNurseRN, BSN, RN]

Rotating is the worst! Just as you get used to one shift, you switch to the next. The only thing is now you will have a few weeks where you are happy. So you have a solid routine before bed- meditation/prayer, warm shower or bath, reading quietly? What is your caffeine consumption like? Have you talked to a specialist about this?

I agree that you should not try to switch back and forth on days off! That always messes me up.