Hello all! I just wanted to know from people that enjoy working night shift, or at least, work them often - what do you find to be a normal/appropriate noise level?
I typically work evenings and have found that I enjoy it much more than days or nights - but occasionally I'll double and end up on a night shift, and I find myself frequently getting upset at co-workers that make a TON of noise: slamming doors/cabinetry, having excessively loud conversations (FULL VOLUME speech right outside patient's doorways, or shouting down the hall at each other, for example). I've been less concerned when floating to the ED because, well, it's an ED. On the floor, however, I feel that if we're taking the time to do things like turning off hallway lights in an effort not to mess with sleep patterns, why is taking being quiet into consideration not really a concern for some?
This is the case at both hospitals where I work, and I'm frustrated for patients that later complain to me that it's impossible to get any sleep. Of course ALL interruptions cannot be avoided - you have to wake the patient to do your job (and so does the phlebotomist, and the respiratory therapist, etc.) - but I don't think that should mean totally disregarding the hour. I feel that rest is an important part of the healing process and some folks get incredibly stressed out by the general inability to get sleep when inpatient.
I am absolutely someone that loves to sleep, however, and have often thought that if I had to face the number of disruptions during my conjugals with the Sandman that our patients do, I'd probably sign out AMA. Am I projecting? I do make every effort to sneak around like a ninja when people are sleeping, but is it a crapshoot? I'd love to hear from you guys.
