Nightshift is Making Me an Idiot

[OldNurseNewRN]

I've been a nurse for over a decade, recently going from LPN to BSN-RN. Very early on, I worked night shift for about a year. I don't remember nights making me stupid then, but I was a very new nurse, so maybe it did and I just didn't realize it?? I've been on nights for about six months now and it is turning me into a blooming idiot! I can't think right at night; I make seriously dumb mistakes. Like putting someone on the monitor but forgetting to turn the cardiac part on, even though I had the leads on. Rookie mistakes that I KNOW better than to make. Or not catching something I would have caught before. So far, I've not caused anyone serious problems but I know it is just a matter of time if my brain stays dead like it is now. Has this happened to anyone else? I don't want to change jobs but I really think I need to be on day shift in order to function! Do I just tell my manager that I've become mentally handicapped because of night shift, lol? I really don't think they'll think that is enough reason to change my shift.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

You'll get better at working nights, but I don't think most of our brains are working optimally with limited amts of sleep.

Human beings are not supposed to be awake at night.

It worries me sometimes that the loss of brain function is not just at night and not just at work.

Sometimes we have no choice for whatever reason.

If it makes you feel any better, I sometimes feel the same as you, and I've worked nights my entire nursing career.

[amoLucia]

Is something else going on that has you discomboobelated??? Like spouse problem, kid problem, parent problem, some health issue, money issues, etc???

Are you happy with your job? Going from LPN to now BSN RN may have you wanting more of a change at your current job - a desired change? Maybe too much change/increased responsibilities has shaken you?

Anything could be rocking your boat. If you could focus in on some possible reasons to rule out ...

BUT ------ one thing I would NOT do is to tell your management/administration that you've become "MENTALLY HANDICAPPED" as you put it!!!!

If I'm reading this post right, you've become more costly for your employer and that could be a major disadvantage. Yes, you might ask for a transfer to day shift, but don't make them put you under a microscope, just waiting for you to falter. Don't make yourself a moving target!

And not to scare you, but if you haven't done this already, make sure your malpractice carrier knows you've had a change of status.

[Davey Do]

sorry- double post

[Davey Do]

rasser frasser computer!

[Davey Do]

According to one study, we are 40% more likely to make a mistake on MNs than Day shift. Add other factors as previously mentioned, like age and stress, and there you have it. I am continually double checking myself and seeking critique from colleagues, which helps. But I still mess up minor things. Good luck to you OldNurseNewRN!

[OldNurseNewRN]

Lol, I would never use the words I used in the post. I've been in the field too long for that. I would be more likely to explain that I believe I would be able to perform at my most optimal level if I were on day shift. I probably won't say anything, truthfully, and just wait until I can apply for an open day shift position. I actually changed facilities and positions when I obtained my RN. It is a position similar to what I had as a LPN but honestly, it is a new job. New coworkers, new expectations, new shift, new responsibilities...it is all new and I know my expectations on how easily I would transition were incorrect. It has been a lot more difficult than I expected. No other areas of increased stress in my life right now that weren't present before starting the new job. I just feel like if it weren't the night shift thing, I would be falling into the groove of things better by now.

[Dogen]

This may or may not apply to you, but it's a common problem with people new to nights, so here are some thoughts that piggyback on what Davey Do said.

Sleep is incredibly important to cognitive function, and most of us aren't wired to be awake all night. If you're having trouble falling asleep, waking up multiple times after you go to bed, or you have trouble getting a solid 6-8 hours, then you're probably sleep deprived. Especially after 6 months. Sleep deprivation dramatically decreases problem solving and attention, makes people moody, and increases both depression and anxiety. Given enough time, in absolute worst case scenarios, you can develop delirium and hallucinations. So it's not necessary that anything else be going on... lack of sleep will mess you up.

That's my best guess, based on limited information. If you're tired all the time, or you feel the "4am wall," do some research on sleep remedies or search out one of the threads on adjusting to night shift. Personally, I worked nights for 18 months and I felt tired for every single minute of it. So, you have my sympathy.

[Davey Do]

Amen to what Dogen said.

When I was younger, 20 some odd years ago, I could easily switch back and forth between a Day/Night schedule. Not so now. I am now a Midnight Person all the time. I function and perform better that way, also being antisocial and having a Wife who works midnights.

It's probably better that this MN shift is temporary for you OldNurseNewRN. Again, good luck!