NIGHT SHIFT

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I just accepted my first nursing job and it a night shift! I could use some advice on how to survive. How to you prepare? Or any advice in general! Thanks

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Specializes in nurseline,med surg, PD.

Lots of coffee. Make sure you get adequate sleep during the day.Carry a small flashlight in your pocket.

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Specializes in critical care/emergency departement.
Lots of coffee. Make sure you get adequate sleep during the day.Carry a small flashlight in your pocket.

I agree with you!

I try to rest/sleep as much as possible, I have a light dinner and...lots of coffee :)

Anyway I think it is also a matter of experience and, above all, habit!

Good luck for your job!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

There are TONS of threads regarding this topic. Do a search and learn from the collected wisdom of the elders!

Good luck- 37 years on nights and counting!

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I may be joining you soon!! Years ago I worked nights mostly 11-7 and sleep did become a major issue for me. I learned to desensitize myself with ear plugs, eye masks, had darkening shades on my bedroom window and developed a routine that seemed to work for me. When we changed to 12 hour shifts I had more difficulty as I could not get an evening nap like I did with 11-7. I would be sleepy by 01:00 and have another 6 hours to go!! I tried to sleep as best as I could but still did not get enough. I haven't worked nights since 2003, occasionally picked up a few night shifts, but not consistently. So, I know I may have to learn how to adjust all over again. When I was off, I would still keep a night-shift schedule so that I did not have to re-set my body clock when I returned to work. My family slept while I did laundry, vacuuming etc. Night work is not natural for the human circadium rhythm, but you can adjust your body clock for what you need to do. I did not drink coffee when I worked nights. I just ran on natural energy.

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Specializes in ICU.

I have been working nights for a little over a year, and have worked nights long-term on a couple of other occasions in the past. Truthfully, I prefer to work nights, at least in my current position.

I'm a little bit unique in that I don't have children (no human ones, anyway) and my husband is on long-term disability but has the ability to take care of things around the house, including the dogs. This is a HUGE benefit for me because it enables me to adjust my sleep schedule pretty much to my own needs and preferences. I realize I'm very fortunate in this aspect, but here's how I handle working nights:

The night before I have to return to work for more than one shift, I stay up all night, or as late as I'm able to. Then, I can sleep all day. If I only have to work one shift, or we're just coming back from vacation, I try to get up as early in the morning as possible (by 6AM or so). I shower and do whatever needs to be done, then lay down again around noon and sleep (or rest, if sleep isn't happening) until 5ish.

Good luck...nights definitely takes some adjusting!

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Specializes in Neuroscience.

I've been on nights for almost one year now, and to be honest, I have never fully gotten used to it. The first month I lost like 5lbs because I didn't know how to eat at night, and when I would come home I would be so exhausted and just pass out.

The first night before a 2 or 3 day stretch of work is the worst, because on my days off I switch back to a day time schedule. Not because I have to, but because I want to see daylight! So I usually accidentally, sleep through the night and then I'm up almost all day except for a nap, and then up all night at work. Last week I was up for 26 hours straight because of my messed up sleep cycling.

I constantly feel jet-lagged. By the time I start to feel normal again it's time to go back to work.

On a good day, I get home from work around 8:15am, fall asleep around 9:15, and wake up around 3 or 4pm. I don't drink coffee or energy drinks as I cannot stand either one. I usually eat something when I get home before I sleep, and a small snack before I leave. Usually a bigger meal overnight during my breaks.

I would sign up for day shift except I'd be taking a pay cut for far more aggravation. No thank you.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Here's a decent thread:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/night-shift-newbies-531465.html

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Specializes in EDUCATION;HOMECARE;MATERNAL-CHILD; PSYCH.

Make sure to get some exercise.

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Thank you so much everyone!!! I appreciate all the advice. One stupid question... Why carry a little flash light?

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Specializes in nurseline,med surg, PD.

You enter someones room to see if theyre breathing you dont want to turn on a bright light and wake them up. Or you just want a good look at their IV site and don't want to wake them up.

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I myself could not adjust. Lost weight because I could not eat... slept the entire time I was off.

I'm not trying to scare you.. just want you to be aware if any major health issues should arise.

Try any of the tricks of the trade provided here.. best of luck to you.

Realize that not everyone can adjust, and know when to say when.

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