nights

I am working nights because that's what I was hired to do . . . . not because I'm a night person, although yes, the extra money is nice. I guess I need more specifics about what you mean? I sleep when I come home, and try to get at least 7 hours if possible. The hardest part is switching back on your night off - if you only have one night off, it's not worth it and I stay up most of the night anyway. If you have more than one, sleep a little less than usual the first day, then hopefully you can get turned back around - but sometimes not. I've only been doing this about 5 weeks and I'm not quite used to it yet, but I can tell you it doesn't kill ya . . . if I end up going without sleep for a day, it's not a good feeling but you work through it and make it up when you can.

Good luck!

The reason I'm asking is because I'm thinking about going to a flex nurse at night.Alot more money.Tha problem is last time I did nights I didn't adjust to it.I wanted to sleep all the time.I didn't have a problem staying up while at work but I was almost depressed feeling while I was at home.I'm hoping I don't start feeling the same way again. Any tips?

I have been working nights for almost 3yrs, and lemme tell ya, if you are not a night person, its very hard to adjust on your off time. That depression you speak of is called being overtired...its a difficult feeling to get thru, I am a niteowl and I get it sometimes myself. Good luck with that but its like anything you do, stick to what makes you feel good!!

I work nights now and it took my body @ 8 weeks to get comfortable with it. I'm still not used to it after 12weeks but I am much better than before. I get off in the mornings and go straight to bed. I allow my body to wake at its own time (instead of using an alarm clock). That way I feel more rested. I then take a short hour or two nap before I have to leave for work. Getting your rest is very important. I'm on a 7 on 7 off rotation so it can get very tiring. I did find that my body did better when it got adequate sleep. Yes, I chose to work it because at the time that's what was open in the ICU. Day shift is more difficult to get because everyone wants to work days.

I work nights...I sleep from whenever I get home to 3-4 ish and then 7-915. That works for me. You will figure it out. Good luck!