Night shift affecting health

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Hi all,

I am a relatively new hospital nurse(7 months in) and have been working nights for 5 months now. I have prior home care experience before starting at the hospital and eventually want to go back to home care. I have been having health issues(high blood pressure, palpitations, and insomnia, colds) that my MD said were from physical exhaustion as lab work was all normal. I am also sick again for the second time in three weeks with another cold(have an autoimmune disease). The MD recommended getting a day position, which is hard for a new nurse.

Would it be best to tough it out for four more months on nights or to start applying to day shifts now? I do love the night shift and my co-workers, but I am tired of feeling constantly sick. We are also on an understaffed unit. There is only a part-time day shift available on this unit, and no other day shifts in the hospital. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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I would try to tough it out before starting to apply for day positions for this reason: your chances will be better with more time under your belt. Try taking time off on a regular basis to rest. Even one extra shift to sleep can make the difference. If you don't think your supervisor will approve, you can consider calling off for a 'mental health' (in your case, physical health) day. Just don't jeopardize yourself attendance-wise. You can't afford to be terminated for missing too much work, no matter the reason or circumstances.

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Thank you, I've been getting mixed responses. So far two co-workers (and one former employee) said to try and get days. I just came off vacation for a week, but was sick so didn't really get to relax and enjoy the break(and am now sick again). I have a perfect attendance so far, and have helped with overtime. I try to avoid taking off- I'm the kind of person that will only take off for a death or family emergency. I feel guilty if I would have to call in to rest as we are already short staffed (usually two nurses a night with 6-8 residents each).

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I am like you. Never call off. But do consider, if you run yourself into the ground too many times, you will be off anyway, because of illness. Might be better to try to prevent, rather than deal with the bad outcome of not taking proper care of yourself.

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Thank you, I will consider your advice about taking off

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Are you maintaining a night-shift schedule on your days off? Or are you living a day-shift schedule on your days off? Bouncing back and forth is harder on your body and psyche. See if you can get a work schedule that helps you to bounce back and forth less. Also consider sleeping during the day and stay up very late on your days off -- to give you body's circadian rhythms a chance to establish a regular patter.

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I bounce back and forth on days off. There's no way I can keep an all nocturnal schedule on my days off. I'm always outside on my days off and do a lot of outdoor activites(biking, walking etc). I'd hate to sleep the day away especially when summer comes around.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

The trick to working night shift is to maintain the same sleep schedule even if you are not working so if you work 7p-7a and sleep say 9-5, that is what you should do on your days off. That way your circadian rythym will be balanced. Also before sleep stay off computer or e-readers as research has shown the light reduces the amount of free melatonin in your system. It's tough if you have family and kids but if you stick it out for a year to 18 months your chances of getting the job/hours you want will be better.

Hppy

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Specializes in hospice.
The trick to working night shift is to maintain the same sleep schedule even if you are not working so if you work 7p-7a and sleep say 9-5, that is what you should do on your days off.

I don't do this. I have kids who need to be picked up and who need to actually see me and spend time with me. I flip back to night sleeping when I'm off and do just fine.

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@hppygr8ful- I definitely can't do the constant night shift. I'm an active person and enjoy being outside on off days. I need sunlight.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Are any day positions open on your floor? You can apply for those if that would help.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

I have a son myself so I usually sleep until about 2 pm on days when I don't work. I pick uo my son from school and we are up until 10 or so he's doesn't miss out on mom time.

Hppy

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