~~NIGHT SHIFT~~

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Specializes in Med Surg, ICU, Tele.

hello! I have just accepted a traveling nurse position, and I will be starting next week working nights!!! Little nervous because one--this is my first assignment as a traveler and two--I've never worked nights... Any suggestions?? Any easier way to get used to this and how NOT to eat all night long?? lol. Thanks!

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My first night shift was the first time Ive ever been up all night. It was tough, especially since Im not a napper.. If you can take naps I suggest taking nap before you go in.. As far as snacking, the first couple of nights i wasnt hungry at all.. probably because my body was confused.. but after doing it for a while I do get hungry.. I try to bring healthy snacks like carrots or other veggies... also I try to drink alot of water. Around 6am I usually make some oatmeal which kind of peps me up. And if you are a caffeine type of person.. I sometimes drink one of those 5 hour energy shots around midnight for those hard nights. It seems to help alot.

Anyways those are a few of my little tips.. good luck! I hate nights but there are many out there that LOVE them..

one more trick for not eating a bunch of junk... I purposely dont bring my wallet in...that way Im not tempted to pitch in for that pizza or mexican food.... otherwise I may as well throw those carrots away.

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

I've heard that carbs make you really sleepy so avoid foods that you know will make you sleepy. For me it is coffee. I go way up for about 10-15 min then I crash. My daughter said to me recently, "Mom, are you sure you want coffee? You know it will just make you want to go to sleep" I pulled a 16hr all nite shift just once and no coffee. When I sat down I did fall asleep sitting up but when I was on my feet I was good to go! I felt really energized when I got off but when I started driving home I began to feel drowsy.

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I've had to learn to eat through the night. My blood sugar dropped while starting an IV. I just held onto the untaped site, sat down on the floor and had my partner come rescue me. BS was 28 and i'm not normally hypoglycemic. But since i sleep during the day, i don't eat . . . therefore, i have to eat at night or risk abandoning my patients and becoming one myself. Night shift can be done. Just eat carefully and make frequent rounds to check your patients/stay awake/burn off a few calories.

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

I would suggest to eat. Once I did it without eating and by 4am I almost fainted.

But do eat healthy foods. I always bring yogurt, and some sunchips and I don't buy sodas or anything. I drink water or juice if I remembered to bring it. (which usually I don't)

As long as you stay busy during the slow down at 2-4 in mornings you should be fine. That is when I feel the shift drag on and on............

as for sleep. get it when you can.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Psychiatry.

I recommend taking in several healthy snacks, and being sure to eat every couple hours (eating healthy foods every couple hours is actually quite good for you -- and your metabolism!). I also recommend finding a way to make the room you sleep in during the day as dark as possible. Or get a sleep mask. A sound machine/fan might help block out the "during the day" noises that you wouldn't hear at night. And I'll take benadryl/Tylenol PM when I am struggling to get sleepy. That always does the trick for me. :-)

Regular exercise is even more important for night shift workers since it helps increase energy levels. I often work out before I go in for my night shift because it boosts my energy for the shift. :-)

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Specializes in CCU.

I have been on nights since 1982 w/brief breaks to days(which I got pregnant)then back to nights. I really do like the staff. Everyone works together very well because there is no one else. The nightshift staff that I work with are independent and quick thinkers.

Can't say I enjoy working the shift but it works best for me and my family. I have found it is easier if you get yourself head in the game and know that you can do it. So many times we have staff that whine and complain the whole shift. This does nothing for them or others working with them. You can do it and survive.

1) Don't be negative.

2) Take a nap before you start your first night. If you can't nap then give yourself a good hour of down time.

3) Exercise every day or at least 4x/week.

4) Pack your lunch and don't eat those sweets.

5) If you are tired and want a snack- salty snacks are great.

6) Reg coffee or tea- stay away from those "Energy" high caffeine drinks.

7) Sleep when you get home-make a routine- take a shower- use ear plugs, facial mask, close all the curtains, and a fan may be helpful.

8) Visit the BR again before you go to sleep.

9) Phones off! not even on vibrate!

10) Don't get upset if you wake in a few hours- go to the BR then back to bed.

11) If you do wake early try to sleep again if unable move to a couch and read-will usually go back to sleep.

12) If you are really tired@ work and can sleep for 15-30min- DO IT! We have an on call room or some place that if needed can be used.

13) Don't think that you are a SUPER HERO and stay up to not sleep. You will hurt yourself (been there done it) or someone else.

14) If you find yourself becoming sleepy on the way home, PULL OVER in a safe area, lock the doors, set your cell alarm for 30min- 60min and sleep. Do NOT continue driving. When my kidos were small and I got very little sleep, I knew the Rest Areas well!

15) My days off I am a Day Babe. I had a friend who stayed in the nightshift mode even on her days off. That was not for me, but you need to do what is best for you.

I think if you establish a routine and stick w/ it it will work well. Keep a positive attitude and I hope the staff that you work with are as great as the staff I have worked with in the various hosptials over the years.

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Specializes in paediatric and trauma.

i work nights on a childrens ward i get very tired to work i usually take one energy drink to work to boost my energy then for snacks i take 4 pieces of fruit an apple a plum a bananna and a orange and then i take slices of cucumber then for drinks i take 2 bottles of water and once during the night ill have a cup of tea i spread it all through the night and this keeps me going all the way through the shift also it helps to wear comfortable shoes to prevent you from getting backache and blisters on your feet i wear those slip on ones with a black patterned elastic band over them to keep your foot in. hope this helped and have fun in your job

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