am/pm rotations - how to execute

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Hi all:

I am a new grad and just accepted a job at a very good hospital in my preferred specialty. Very happy, but anxious about the am/pm rotations (they start all new grads on this type of schedule). I am older (44) and concerned about how well I will be able to adjust physically. I am in very good health/shape for my age but sleep is important to me.

What is the best way to work this? Should I try to schedule all nights in a row if I can and then shift to all days? How are these usually scheduled?

Guess I am looking for advice and encouragement that this is, in fact, doable.

Thanks!

[B52, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

It's doable. I was 42 when I started working as an LPN. I worked 4 pm-midnight on Thursdays and Fridays and midnight-8am on Saturdays and Sundays (no shift differential). I did lose some sleep, but I spent most of my Mondays sleeping. I think it helped a lot that I kept a healthy diet, drank plenty of water, and exercised. Now that I'm an RN I don't work the night shift any more, and I have no desire to. I'll take a good night's sleep over shift differential any day. Good luck.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I'm 41 and I worked permanent nights for 4.5 years. Some people adjust better to one shift versus another, for various reasons. It will depend on how your organization schedules their staff.

Sleep is extremely important. Shut off your phone and wear ear plugs if you can. Eat small balanced meals and snacks, drink water.

If you can do a stretch of nights followed by a stretch of days, your body should adjust easier. It's the constant flipping that hurts.