Night Shift worries!!

vamedic4, EMT-P · Jul 19, 2006

Hi everyone. I will shortly be starting my first position as an RN. I was hired for 40 hr. nights, however, Ive never done a consistent night shift before. I don't have kids, or a husband or any other commitment that this may effect, but Im nervous about changing my sleeping pattern. Ive gotten blinds for my room....but other than that I dont know what more to do! Are any of you in a similar situation, or have you been in a similar situation and managed to adjust your sched?? I should probably be more nervous about my first nursing job, but Im not, this is whats really making me nervous. Any suggestions will be appreciated!!
Erica

Hi Erica and welcome to nights@!@! It's an adjustment to your internal clock for sure, but it's doable. As you posted, the blinds are a good idea. A mask to cover your eyes is helpful as well, as are earplugs.

Also, in working nights, you have to work a schedule that's good for YOU. Don't let your floor schedule you 3 or 4 in a row unless you love it that way.

I find that fans help too, to drown out the noise from whatever's happening outside during daylight hours.

Hope you enjoy nights...I know I do!!

vamedic4

creature of the night for 11+ years

dorimar, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2006

I always like to do my shifts in a row. I routinely do 3- 12 hour shifts together and have 4 days off. I am able to get back on a day schedule on my days off that way. I realize many night shift people don't like this. But i live in the day time on my days off.

tridil2000, MSN, RN · Jul 19, 2006

Hi Erica and welcome to nights@!@! It's an adjustment to your internal clock for sure, but it's doable. As you posted, the blinds are a good idea. A mask to cover your eyes is helpful as well, as are earplugs.
Also, in working nights, you have to work a schedule that's good for YOU. Don't let your floor schedule you 3 or 4 in a row unless you love it that way.
I find that fans help too, to drown out the noise from whatever's happening outside during daylight hours.
Hope you enjoy nights...I know I do!!
vamedic4
creature of the night for 11+ years

oh, the mask is the best thing for a night shift nurse!

let me add that once you start, treat your sleep like a job. choose at least 7 hours out of the day like 9-4 and turn OFF your phone etc. SLEEP. do not try to squeeze in appts and/or shopping. you will get yourself exhausted in your first few months doing that. it takes discipline to be successful at night shift. you must respect the fact that day time for you is for sleep.

that said, if you have off the following night, don't sleep as much. maybe get up by 2pm and do some things. on your night off, stay up until like 4am or so doing laundry or things around your house. your body will then not be too out of wack.

i worked nights while i went for my bsn 1 year ...no kids. i lived alone but had a b/f. i would go to school from about 5p to 10p.

i would like to return to nights when my kids get a bit older.

good luck in your new job! get the rest you need.....you'll perform better!

matchstickxx · Jul 19, 2006

Some sort of "white noise" can help, too. I had a fan and would leave the TV on a very low volume...just enough to make a little noise but not loud enough to understand what was being said. Otherwise, if the room were completely quiet, any sudden noise, such as a door closing in another part of the house, would wake me up.

Also, unless it is dark outside, wear dark sunglasses on the drive home. I found that sunlight in the morning would perk me up.

Turn off the ringer on your phone and let the answering machine pick up any calls. It is amazing how family and friends think it is okay to call you "just to chat" at noon. Only a few people had my cell number and understood it was for emergencies only during the day.

Congrats and good luck in your new position.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 19, 2006

Lots of good advice, esp the ones telling you to take your sleep seriously. You need to listen; even missing "just an hour here and there" can be disastrous for your health and job performance, as well as mental agility. Let nothing interfere with your day sleeping, if at all possible, or pay a HUGE price. I know, having done nightshifts for 9 years, this is so true.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 19, 2006

Also, establish EXCELLENT eating and exercise patterns, as these are critical for your health. Dont' cave into the carb craving that is so hard on us nightshifters. Have plenty of healthy food/snacks with you at work. And make time, just 30 min a day, for some form of exercise. You will be glad if you have done this. Trust me.

LoriAlabamaRN · Jul 19, 2006

I take melatonin! About thirty minutes before you want to fall asleep, take one 3mg tablet. You can get it at any drugstore. It helps you have a deep, natural sleep because melatonin is the hormone your body releases at night to put you to sleep. I take this every morning and sleep very well during the day. There's no hangover either, just the refreshed feeling that comes from natural sleep.

RNMISTY362b · Jul 19, 2006

I recommend getting soft earpluggs and also I bought a couple yard of heavy black fabric to cover the windows. I have also tired eye masks I didn't like the feel on my face. However a coworker loves them. also watch what you eat I gained 30 pounds after going to nights. now I am working hard to lose the pounds. take healthy snacks low cal protien bars fresh fruit really help give an energy boost. good luck I bet you will do great and will avoid all the pitfalls. I also recommend you have your days together it will

actually be easier. or otherwise you feel like all you do is work and try to get enough sleep for work. but do whats best for you and your body

911fltrn · Jul 19, 2006

I have done 10+years of nights. Its simple if you can deal with not being "a normal person" (my friends think im weird) I sleep 9am to 4 pm every day, even days off. If im really tired i may go to bed around 5 am. Im never tired at work, i have seen all of my co-workers fall asleep at one time or another.

No matter what shift you work routine sleep is important. Switching your sleep around every few days sure does seem to mess with those who do it.

Congrats on your new job:lol2:

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2006

I worked night shift in the ER many years ago. After trying every ear plug on the market I found the soft foam kind to be best. Walgreens always has this particular type. I think they are called 'hearos' or something similar. Soft and comfy.

Also, careful with the melatonin. I tried that and found that after about a week's worth of daily use, I was waking up with bad headaches. It might work for you, but just be mindful of any side effects. I had no idea and was puzzled at the time.

Great suggestion about wearing dark sunglasses when driving home in the AM. You don't want the sun telling your brain to get more alert.

control · Jul 19, 2006

I actually lost weight working nights...I wasn't eating right though. I worked nights and weekends for 3 years straight.

Good suggestions, so far.