Start first job tonight as LPN in LTC

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I am nervous and excited all at the same time. I do have a quick question though...how do you stay awake all night? I am not on a set schedule so this weekend it is nights and next weekend days. Eventually I go to all nights but I am more concerned with these first couple of nights. Do most LTC facilities hop all night or do they settle down during the morning hours?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

K

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Congratulations on your new job!!!! drink coffee. that's how i was able to stay up all night when i worked my first night shift

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Specializes in ICU, CCU, Trauma, neuro, Geriatrics.

LTC, busy for the first two hours or so, settling restless patients in for the night. Changing supplies, IV lines, tube feedings, central line dressing changes, red-lining charts. Checking what paperwork needs to be completed. Usually kinda quiet than until around 5am when anyblood work has to be drawn, straight caths for urine cultures, EKGs for yearly evals, finish your charting if any changes, call families about stuff that happened after 1am that wasn't significant enough to wake em up.

Some facilities do early morning meds too on some patients, early risers, tube feeders in vegatative state to free up daylight to do more treatments. 6am or 7am blood sugars if breakfast is early.

Drink limited coffee and eat foods that dont make you sleepy, stuff that peaks blood sugars like carbs and refined sweets. I used to eat a protein and a starch around 3am or 4am, same diet I ate for breakfast prior to a test. Made my mind sharper and I still could get some sleep when I got home instead of a pot of coffee at 3am..LOL. (Baked potato and some lean chicken or a piece of fish. BLT on wheat toast with a slice of cheese. Spinach salad with chicken and bacon. All stuff I can make ahead of time or buy at Sheets on the way to work)

Good luck on your new job.

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Thanks for the tips!!! I thought about brewing some fresh espresso and taking it in a thermos and then serving it over ice. I happen to like iced coffees. What about Red Bull? Never had it but I think it too is suppose to have tons of caffeine. The tip on diet is excellent! I know that when I eat protein and cut back on the carbs ( I am a huge carb eater) I seem to feel like I have more energy. I will give this one a try tonight.

I am glad to hear that the activities do slow a bit. It will give me a chance to stop and reflect over all of the things I am learning about and to prepare for the early morning hours.

Again, thanks for all the wonderful tips and well wishes.

K

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You will probably be waking up soon for your new shift. Good luck!

I have found that caffeine helps me to stay awake. Sometimes I will have an espresso shot in my coffee and for the really tough nights (and yes it is very unhealthy) I swallow sugar packets. I know that is gross but it does work if you are having a really hard time keeping your eyes open. I learned that in nursing school while pulling all nighters.

Have a good night!

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Good luck! I am a student and I know I will want to work nights when I finish. One thing I have noticed when I am studying--if I eat a chocolate bar (not the healthiest thing!) I have no problem staying awake. I have even been known to clean the house in the middle of the night. LOL. I hope you have a great night!

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