overnight preceptorship

[eternalstudent328]

Hi,

I am a senior in my nursing program and about to start my nursing preceptorship. I am looking for any and all advice nurses or fellow students have prior to starting? One concern I have, indicated in the title, is working overnights. I admittedly am not a night owl. I am nervous my lack of ability (lack there of only because I am still so green!) will really shine thru as I gradually grow more tired as the shift continues... Aside from general advice, any specific advice on how to best handle having to work overnights on occasion while on my preceptorship? Please and thank you for any and all responses!!!!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

If you caffeinate, do so before and during your shift but stop early enough so you will be able to sleep when you get home in the morning. If you are so able, try to take a nap before your shift. I could never do this on my first overnight when I worked nights so I'd end up awake for 24 hours the first night.

For me, I found it most helpful on nights to eat dinner at 10pm, a snack at 2am and breakfast at 6am.