NPs working Nights

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Looking for some input. Please let me know if you are a NP who works night shift - are you able to sleep at night? Do you have a call room? Do you rotate PMs and AMs? What state are you from?

Thanks so much!!

Maggie

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oh - and if anyone else is curious

I rotate AM and PM shifts, we are not currently allowed to sleep, no call room available. (trying to change that) From OH

:)

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Some of the hospitalists I know work nights - they are scheduled 12 hour nights and no they don't sleep. Just like I don't sleep on day shift.

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ask them if you can sleep in the interview lol. not

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Some of the hospitalists I know work nights - they are scheduled 12 hour nights and no they don't sleep. Just like I don't sleep on day shift.

I think the difference re: sleeping is whether you're on-call or on-shift. In the first, sleeping is totally cool if there's nothing going on. The point is that you're able to jump into action if/when the need arises. Being on-shift, however, means you are scheduled to be working during said time. Just like RN, CNA, RT shifts, day or night, the expectation is that you are fully present and working. I totally understand taking breaks during down time but I would say unless you're on a formal break with someone else explicitly covering for you, sleeping is not acceptable behavior.

In terms of scheduling, usually shifts are used when there is work expected to be done and organizations are inclined to neither over or under schedule staff. If there's significant amount of time to sleep on in an ongoing basis while on shift likely means the staffing level isn't appropriate. On call, either in- or out of house are used when coverage may or may not be needed during the duration of the period and are (for providers, at least) a 24 hour period or some other than is not reasonably expected to be worked continuously.

For the OP's situation, I think it all hinges on whether you're considered on shift overnight or have in-house call.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Majority of our ICU NP's rotate to days and nights. There is a call room with a bed, a computer with Epic, a bathroon (and in some rooms, a TV and even a shower) and yes you are allowed to lay down and sleep if the acuity allows it. You are only a phone call and few steps away from the bedside and the expectation is that if you get called to see a patient, you get up and see the patient. Are there nights when it's slower than usual and the NP gets some sleep? yes of course but not always.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
Being on-shift, however, means you are scheduled to be working during said time. Just like RN, CNA, RT shifts, day or night, the expectation is that you are fully present and working. I totally understand taking breaks during down time but I would say unless you're on a formal break with someone else explicitly covering for you, sleeping is not acceptable behavior.

Well, our night ICU NP's are considered "on shift" in your distinction. But the difference is that they are providers and not bedside nurses so no, they don't need to stalk the RN's and stay at the bedside if there is no need to. RN's are more than capable to watch ICU patients and only seek the provider if there is a change in status or if there's a patient with actively unstable status. Providers have the freedom to use their time as they see fit knowing that they are responsible for the medical needs of the patient overall. Our attendings support our well being and happiness as career employees and sleeping when it's slow is OK.

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I work nights. I'm allowed to sleep at night. The NPs have their own room but we have to bring our own cot. I often shift to days but hopefully that will change and then there will be more regularity in my work schedule. When I was a RN I hated nights but as an NP I can't complain í ½í¸€

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Specializes in NICU.

Totally. In fact, sometimes I take a nap when I'm on day shift if I've been working a few days in a row and am more tired. This is on the rare side of course, but on night shift, I and my colleagues are sleeping for sure if the babies let us. I work in a level 4 NICU too, so acuity is high...

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Specializes in Huntingtons, LTC, Ortho, Acute Care.

The hospital I work in has the NPs on a pretty tough schedule 1 week on 1 week off 12 hour nights and my understanding is they DO NOT sleep. It's up to you what you'd be willing to put up with to be honest

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

I work 12 hour nights, and I don't rotate. I don't sleep on my shifts, I sleep during the day.

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