New to the 12 hour night shift

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · May 4, 2014

Take a nap the day of your shift. Even if you can't sleep, lie down for a few hours. Rest! Make sure you stay well hydrated, it actually helps. Don't overeat, it'll make you drowsy. SIp on some water. If you like coffee, drink it early (unless, like me, you can drink a pot then immediately go to sleep ) If you start to feel drowsy while sitting walk for five or so minutes. I always round on my patients when I start to feel drowsy. (I'll end up rounding on them qH instead of q2H. Just a few tips I can offer!

krisiepoo · May 4, 2014

I'm still learning the best coping measures, but have found that if I get a full night sleep the night before, get up early and stay busy all morning then lay down and nap, that I do better on nights. I bought an eye mask to help keep the light out of my bedroom. I drink a ton of water and bring a light lunch (too heavy and I want to sleep). Since I'm a new nurse, I try to use the downtime to learn more about the computer systems/programs. I actually really enjoy the N12 shift and after my year of rotating 12's is up, I'm considering going straight nights

edwindelahiggins · May 5, 2014

welcome to the dark side

I'm a new nurse too. I've been working nights in a hospital a little over a year. Here are some observations and tips.

1. There will be an adjustment period. For me, i'd say it took a solid 2 months before I was really adjusted. i don't know what your commute is like, but with traffic it can take me up to an hour to get home in the morning. BE SAFE. By now I can drive home with ease and I don't find myself dozing at the wheel. At first you'll probably struggle. Roll the windows down, pull over to nap, whatever you have to do.

2. In terms of improving sleep quantity/quality, I definitely echo the 'cut off caffeine early crowd'. The past month or so I've been cutting myself off from caffeine around midnight and it makes a big difference. I don't find myself waking up nearly as much.

3. Make sure you're getting enough sleep during the day. I try to get at least six hours. Keep your room as dark as possible as it makes a big difference.

4. Try to eat healthy on nights. This is the one complaint I have. I'm usually pretty health conscious guy, but nights have made it really difficult. I find I"m always tired and I really have to force myself to work out. I've lost strength and motivation, but it's a constant battle.

Good luck. Nights have a lot of positives. Let us know how your transition goes.

thenightnurse456 · May 5, 2014

I notice a big difference in my energy levels when I drink tonnes of water on night shift. I feel less tired during the shift and I seem to recover faster the next day.

Sabr, BSN, RN · May 6, 2014

Thanks, wise ones!

SilleLu · May 6, 2014

Agree with all of the above, especially the adjustment period. Expect to be tired all the time for a while, but it does get better after a few months.

ORNerd, BSN, RN · May 6, 2014

All of the above tips are great.

Welcome to the dark side!

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