New to the Night Shift Experience

DG5 · Apr 16, 2005

Hi All,
I am a new grad. Never done nights before. Will be doing lots of them on my new job. I'm on a surgical floor and will have 6-8 patients depending. The shifts are 8 hours, go from 11- 7am. Some shifts go nine days in a row with one only one day off inbetween. Also must switch from nights to day stretch, with only one day in between. I'm not young, not old, (in my late 30's). I dont know how my body will handle them. I have no kids and am single (maybe a bonus in this situation). What are some things I can do with the transition and learning how to "stay awake". I realize there are huge bonuses to working the nights, but also some crappy downfalls. As a new grad, I'm not sure what to expect. Any advice, suggestions, etc, greatly appreaciated,
Jo

Oh my gosh. it sounds pretty like a pretty heavy rotation. The one day off that you get is only good for sleep and then you are at it again. If I were in your shoes, I would really watch my energy levels. Try to prioritise your commitments at home, cut the ones you can and keep the ones that nurture you. YOU are number one. During your shift, try to break up your breaks into two separate breaks, put your feet up, drink lots of herbal tea, fresh fruit and veg, don't eat too much carbohydrate, make sure you eat enough protein - you'll almost have to go military style and become totally focused on good routines - don't let anyone distract you from looking after YOU. Take a good walk home (if you can!) or take a brisk walk when you wake up - maketime for some exercise. I am nearly fifty and have five kids and I have worked nights for a year now, I find it is a wonderful way to spend more time with them, but I really have to watch how much I do and when. Good luck!

allevi · Apr 16, 2005

I have been working 12 hour nights for 3 1/2 years now. I wouldn't switch between days and nights too hard to do.

If you only get one off between the day night thing, just go with sleep. It is probably all your body will want to do. You are lucky with the no kid thing.

Also only doing eight hour shifts will help. During work you will likely be busy enough that staying awake there will not be a problem.

Just drink lots of water, and sleep when your body tells you to when you are home. That is the best advice i can give. i used to fight sleeping, thinking i needed to be up at this point. Dont fight sleep :zzzzz

PJMommy · Apr 16, 2005

Also...don't fall into the trap of trying to be a day person and a night person. When it's time to sleep - turn off the phone, darken your bedroom, eliminate all distractions. Don't try to make appointments or get up and do some yard work during your sleep time. I've met so many people who say nights didn't work for them because they were tired all the time....and then you find out they'd always get up after 3-4 hours sleep so they could get something done. Day people don't wake up at 1 AM so they can get something done so neither should we.