night shift

Nurses New Nurse

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I am three months into my orientation on a neuro ICU floor, and started night shifts recently. I find that working nights eats several days per shift in recovery time. Does this get better with time? Do you adjust? I also find myself really loopy by the early morning, so much so it seems unsafe, my processing is slower, my reflexes are slower and even my vision starts to be weird- it gets to where I am seeing stuff moving in the periphery and such. Do people adjust to this schedule and find they can function throughout the shift? I work all 12's.

Also, is it easier to work 3 twelves in a row at night, or spread out? When folks move to permanent nights does that make it even better?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

I started doing three 12 hour shifts in a row and it just didn't work for me at all. By that third night I was dragging and I could see little things in my job were suffering because of it. Nothing serious, I just felt more scattered than usual. Because of that, I chose to spread mine out, but it really is whatever works best for you. I know plenty of nurses who do theirs three in a row. I can't imagine the seven on/seven off people, but again, whatever works for a person.

As for the days/nights thing -- I don't have any advice there. My schedule is completely messed up. I pretty much stay on this same schedule regardless. If I am off I still sleep most all day and sit up all night. Unless I force myself to be "normal", that is the schedule I keep. Tonight I am going out with friends and we are leaving about 4PM -- today I set my alarm and made myself get out of bed at a certain time. That is the only way I have found to cope.

I can't say it gets better, but I think you do learn how to manage it. :)

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Specializes in Anesthesia: Peds, General, ENT, Trauma.

I have worked shift work for years, before I was a nurse and after, always 12 hour shifts. The bottom line is that you have to find a rhythm that works for you!!:twocents: I remember my second night shift. After the first night shift I was so tired that I slept for 11 hours!! Slept right through my alarm and my wife had to wake me up so I was late!

Not so bad now. I personally like to mix things up. I work 2 days then one night. I can get up after 5 hours of sleep after the night and enjoy my days off.

A bit about sleeping. I personally use earplugs, dark shades, an eyecover (I'm a guy and it sure looks funny!!) I need dark, quiet room with a fan running to sleep following night shift. I usually sleep 6-7 hours after a night shift, the same after day shift. Sometimes I sleep during my break on night shift, this really helps on those "loopy":dzed::sstrs::brnfrt: nights. It is very acceptable on my floor, wasn't acceptable at my last job.

If I plan to work a lot of overtime, I will bunch my night shifts together and keep work nights, however, I take about 3 days to get back to "normal".

I realize this is getting lengthy....

bottom line once again is to try to find the combination that works for you and this can take some time. So hang in there!!!:D

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

Still after 3 nights in a row, I can sleep 24 hours to recover. I hate it..

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I think I have been very lucky so far with working nights. I have no issues with it at all. I come home and sleep 5-6 hours and I am fine. No recoup time. I think for some people it either works or it doesn't, kwim.

Last week I worked 3 in a row (Wed, Thurs, Fri) and I was back up to speed by Saturday night.

I think the biggest thing is making sure you get a good solid amount of sleep when you get off in the morning. I actually sleep better during the day then I do at night because no one else is home. LOL

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I found that when you are on nights, you get your routine down. It takes time...for me it was almost 6 months...and I was going to NS during the day.

I find that I do prefer having all 3 in a row...plus you get to know your patients, usually.

When I get tired on the shift, I'll make myself get up....walk a round on each patient, then make a big glass of water or crystal light, and then find someone who I can talk to. Or, I'll sit in front of the computer, and review all my charting. Or I'll write out my report for days. I cut out caffine after 1 AM.

When I get home, unless I have something coming up that morning or afternoon, I'll stay up until 7 or 8....watch tv, do computer, do a load of laundry, etc.

When I'm done with shifts for the week, i find myself sleeping until I get up. I am usually up late anyway....just a natural night owl!

Find what works for you. Good luck!

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Specializes in Anesthesia: Peds, General, ENT, Trauma.
...I cut out caffine after 1 AM.

:idea: Great point, I totally forgot about this! (it's buried in my subconscious by now).

I don't have any caffeine :smilecoffeeIlovecof after 2am and try to avoid any liquids after 4am, and always eat breakfast before going to bed. This is in an effort to avoid waking up because I'm hungry or need to pee

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