night shift

Nurses New Nurse

Published

HELP!!!!

I have to do a night shift as an orientation day for my first job. Never worked nights...ever! Any suggestions as to how to get sone rest before so that I don't fall asleep at work?!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

You're only doing a single shift? Take a nap before you go, drink a coffee on the ride in.

If you're going to be working night shift, there are several threads devoted to long-term sleeping strategies and adjustment to nights.

PS: ALL the cool kids work nights!

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Hi Dmed76,

Out of all the places I worked, orientation is usually held in the mornings & you have to deal with all your paperwork (going over employee handbooks, benefits, schedule, etc). Then after orientation, is when you do your training. You most likely will be shadowing someone & they will have train you and should you around. As for tips on staying awake, I highly suggest that you sleep before you come in for your shift. Get as much sleep as you need to feel refresh to start your shift. I'm going to tell you now, it's really hard to stay awake between 1am & 3-4am, because your body is telling you that you need to sleep. During those hours, you need to find things that help keep you awake. Some people need to always keep moving & stay busy during the night, others read & some people need a caffeine fix. It's all up to you. Good luck with the job!

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Thanks! I have a three day orientation. Once per shift. Then an extra day orientation for paperwork. Nervous but I know I'll be ok. It's only one night shift...I'll survive, maybe. : )

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

How did it go on Night Shift? New things are always scary but that disappears when they become familiar. I enjoyed working nights - much more teamwork & camaraderie... fewer road trips (transporting pt for tests) - what's not to like?

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How did it go on Night Shift? New things are always scary but that disappears when they become familiar. I enjoyed working nights - much more teamwork & camaraderie... fewer road trips (transporting pt for tests) - what's not to like?

Well.....it was torture for me. Lol. Waayy too slow! It was only myself, another LVN, and three cna's. We went hours without anything to do. That was hard for me! I made it though...gotta push on! Thanks for asking! ; )

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