How to stay awake during NOCs in PDN?

Specialties Private Duty

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

So I'm not a great night person & I'm gonna start NOCs. It's hard enough working nights but in PDN it's even harder because you don't get up & walk around. So what does everyone do to stay awake during night shifts in PDN?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Monster iced tea or coffee. ;). Moving around. Stretching. One ear bud in to listen to music or pod casts. .

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I have epilepsy & I'm just afraid that switching to nights will affect me. I tried drinking Monsters before & woo! It really affected me in some weird way.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

The iced tea has less caffein than some of the others. 10 calories works for me.

Get a consistent sleep pattern. That should help. Eye masks. Kid in school during day I sleep. I'm up when kid done with school & for activities.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I tried nights once before & I never ever felt rested, no matter how much sleep I got. How do you do it? I would sleep, literally, all day & still felt exhausted. My second night in a row I felt like poo. Is there something I can do (if I take the case)?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I need to take a nap. I will PM what works for me later

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Thank you!!!

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

How to stay awake when you're getting sleepy on nights:

1. Get up and move around. Do "standing jumping jacks" with your feet planted, but your arms working. Stand still on one leg without holding on to anything. (You might want to try this near something you can grab onto at first.) Do "push-ups" off the kitchen counter.

2. Wash your face with soap and water. Use your bare hands if you don't have a washcloth you can use.

3. Drink. Don't let yourself get dehydrated.

4. Eat something crunchy.

5. Instill lubricating eye drops, especially when the air is dry. When I get scratchy eyes, I want to close them.

6. Read.

7. Do some cleaning, keep your client's area tidy. I work pediatrics, and toys often need cleaning.

8. Go over the care plan: what could be changed/clarified/added?

9. Are you getting enough sleep before coming in? Part of my job is to be rested before I come in.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Pediatric.

If nights already are difficult for you I would encourage you to try to not take this position. Depending on the family, any slight move could wake them up.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Nights are hard initially but it's just hard transition. I usually stay up late any way. It's only an 8 hour shift. If it was 12, I would think twice!

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Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

Just like I do with days, I Jeep a regular sleep schedule. On nights, I sleep at a regular time during the day even on nights off. The flip flopping is what makes it so hard. If you are on a regular sleep schedule, your body will adjust. Get a good routine down before you sleep and minimize noise and light.

When I worked nights, I'd come home and drink a calming tea. I'd make sure I turned the phone off and make sure the room was dark. I'd set my alarm so I would get up at the same time each day. I also used ear plugs during the summer (mowing season). I was just as wide awake at night as I am in the day by just staying on schedule.

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