NIGHT SHIFT

[jar312]

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

[SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN]

I have been on nights since I started in Feb. The day before my first day on I will take a 1.5-2 hr nap. When I get home the next morning I eat breakfast and shower and go to bed. I sleep till about 4 then get up and get ready for the next night. I try to do 3 nights in a row. On my last day I only sleep until about 130-2 then stay up till about 10 and then sleep all night. This helps me not feel like a zombie on my days off. I ditto the flashlight thing. I have a tiny one that puts off just enough light. I have it clipped to my badge so it's always on me. I can use it to assess the pupils as well when doing a neuro check. Drink lots of water, have some healthy snacks. We start ti lull on our floor about 3 am. I usually find things to do. Take out the trashes, restock our supplies, clean the desk. Helps pass the time until the next vitals check!