The skinny on working nights

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Hi folks. So, I was ridiculously lucky and got an L&D day shift position right out to school. I love it. Problem is I am moving home next year and I will more that likely be on nights. My question is, if you work nights, do you love it or hate it? Does it make your life unbearably harder, are you tired all the time. Do you feel like you never get to see your family/significant other? I am also a little worried about the resources available at night in the hospital. Just want to hear the ins and outs of night shift on L&D.

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
I was born to work nights!

In my unit the night staff is younger, more energetic and more likely to offer a helping hand than our day staff. Of course I realize maybe 10-15yrs down the road nights won't be for me anymore but right now I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm not in a L/D (yet), but I am working on a med/surg floor and started nights a few weeks ago. I was freaked out at the thought as it's been almost 29 years since I had done so (working 6 - 8-hour shifts)! I LOVE IT!!

I am 52 and it hasn't been a problem at all. I am SO not a day person and I prefer the workload and autonomy of the night shifts. So age definately doesn't play in to it. I also have the advantage of having grown kids (who know better than to call during the day, lol) so the phone is turned off and the bedroom door closed and I am OUT until I am ready to get up again!

Best wishes!!

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I loved working nights, most of the time. It is hard for your body to adjust. I have a handout I give to my students. Send me your e-mail and I will send you the handout. Helen

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
I loved working nights, most of the time. It is hard for your body to adjust. I have a handout I give to my students. Send me your e-mail and I will send you the handout. Helen

Is the handout about adjusting or something else? I haven't done too bad at handling it, but I'm also not loving it...yet I know dayshift isn't for me...I'm always looking for tips!!

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It is about adjusting....little tips to get ready and to recover. Some people never like it...but again if you want me to send you the handout, send me your e-mail address.

Either way....good luck. Helen

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How do you nurse a baby period while you work 8-12 hrs a day/night? I assume the answer is pumping.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Rehab, HH.

Its amazing what a nursing mom can do!LOL thats why women have babies and not men.LOL (just kidding..well sort of...please dont any one get mad...:)

She can: Nurse a baby while cooking dinner, at the same time getting gum out of a two year olds hair, pulling the crayon out of the poor cats toosh, answering questions from the election polers, repairing a Batman toy that had his arms chopped off. All in a 5 minute time frame.

Nursing at work with somewhat peace and quiet - a piece of cake!!

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