Nights in the ER??

[scrubsandasmile]

Hi all!

I am a new member to the site, but have puttered around here without being a member for a while now..

I am due to graduate from a BSN-RN program in December of this year and will start in the ER in mid-January with 4 to 5 months of orientation to start (so assuming everything goes okay, I will start on my "own" in May/June/July). I did my capstone in the ER, and I loved it and could not imagine myself being anywhere else, but my question or rather advice I am seeking is about the shift I will be working!

I have signed to do nights (7p-7a), and never experienced them yet- I am only 23, so I feel like I can adjust alright, but does anyone have helpful hints on adjusting to the completely opposite schedule, how to keep from gaining what I hear is an average of 10 pounds when working nights, how to get a good.. day's (hehe) sleep, what the pace is like during nights?

Also, any other knowledge or tips you want to impart on me as well would be much appreciated!

[Backblast]

It's a huge help to sleep in a dark room during the day. My trick: Cut a large piece of cardboard to the size of every window in your room. Cover it with aluminum foil, shiny side out, then place in your windows when you're sleeping. I keep mine up all the time, but that's just me. Good luck!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

If you choose to "snack" at night, granola, low fat yogurt, popcorn, etc during the night, Eat dinner before you go to work. Keeping with the normal circadian and basal cycle in you body will prevent significant weight gain. Eat a small heathy breakfast IF you can before leaving, so by the time you get home, you at least maintaining...make sure you get at least 6 hours of sleep-your body still needs adequate sleep. Eat a complex healthy lunch when you wake up as well. Since you need to sleep at night, NOTIFY people you will not be available until the afternoon...I also suggest an eye mask to achieve darkness. When your days are off, you may adjust to daytime cycle, so you can get things done, socialize, etc., but at least extend you awake time during the night...at least until 2 am, then 3 or 4 am, so you can be ready to stay awake for your shift, then return to your day time cycle of sleep.

[scrubsandasmile]

Thank you guys all so much for the amazing, helpful advice!! Can't wait to start in just a few weeks!!