thinking about quitting night shift in LTC

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Something has got to give. I work 11-7 in an LTC as the charge nurse. I cannot handle being up all night anymore. At first I think I was living on adrenaline. I never 'got used' to staying up all night. I know all the tips and tricks of daytime sleeping, white noise, black out curtains, melatonin etc. I can 'sleep' but its a light sleep. I usually sleep all day and most of the evening and still feel tired.I feel confused and disoriented.

Its affecting me mentally,I am becoming forgetful, and have trouble thinking scenarios and ideas through completely. I'm forgetting basic adjectives,my mind is just blank. I feel like a zombie,like I'm in a thick fog all the time. My joints are hurting,I feel dizzy, and nauseous frequently.I've lost 10 lbs since working here. I've also gotten really irrationally angry.I work a lot of OT and am called in constantly on my nights of-but I usually don't got in anymore on my nights off. I only get two consecutive days off every two weeks.

One of the worst things is that its affecting my home life. Not sleeping in the same bed as my SO and then sleeping most of the day and evening hasn't been the best situation.I'm usually in a bad mood,then just feel guilty. This is so weird but I am so so so lonely. I keep to myself at work doing my job (I'm the only nurse there,other co workers are CNAS) And when I have a night off,I'm awake all night while my SO is sleeping.

I've struggled with depression. I used to be on meds but have successfully been off of them for some time now. I realize that it is probably time to go to the dr and potentially get back on them. I personally think night shift is the worst shift for anyone with depression. The isolation and lack of sunlight etc etc just add up in a real negative way.I feel like I'm living in a constant nightmare.

Aside from the night shift blues, one manager who comes in the morning is particularly hateful and yells about the slightest thing in the morning. This is can be a whole other thread in itself about this manager and unprofessional behavior, ie telling us were are easily replaceable and throwing things around etc I feel like I'm going to vomit when the time draws near for dayshift to come in.

If I cannot find another job, I'm going to go part time at this place. Dayshift is full,evenings is hard with a child in school. (would never see them either)

Does anyone have any advice or insight?Am I doing the right thing?I'm scared because the economy is still rough and I cant completely quit right now.Thank you so much for listening.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

(((Hugs))) and Prayers

It sounds awful. I would get my nights off and try to sleep with my hubby or SO. Then I would start applying anywhere and everywhere. Day shift only. Also try to see your Doctor if needed.

Isolating your self while your home from your SO needs to be the first thing to fix -is my advice. At least you'll feel better if home life is better. Then maybe handle your job a little better, because you'll feel better.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

There is NO guarantee that your employer will allow you to go part-time. For you to be part-time, there has to be another person to match up with your hours, so it just may be easier for them to hire a full-timer. They might just start a job search and there are many other nurses out there willing to step into your place.

If nite shift is so negatively affecting you, it may be time for you to look elsewhere. First, try medical intervention as another poster suggested.

Just be careful because as you well know, the job market is so unstable. Good luck.

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Sounds like your sanity is more important than your job. Talk to your SO about it. If they are willing to bear the brunt of the bills while you look for work, go for it. Work agency or something. Just be fore warned that a 7a-3p opening that isn't jumped on by someone in house already is rare. You might be lucky to get 3p-11p.

I got a FT 3p-11p position but it's because the floor is SO hard, no one else wanted and they were forced to hire an outside new nurse to fill the spot.

The yelling change of shift is annoying but not a deal breaker. Usually when people are being unprofessional, I say nothing and just stare at them. They usually get the hint.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I vote for sanity too. I remember getting the same way toward the end of my own night-shift years, and it just wasn't worth it. Working nights tends to exacerbate any underlying mental health conditions one may have, as well as contribute to physical pain and illnesses; when your body is giving you this many signals, you really shouldn't ignore them. Taking antidepressants isn't enough; you have to sleep well and eat adequately, plus you need time with your loved ones in order to be healthy and strong enough to nurse. Please take care of yourself---we haven't a nurse to waste!

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Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm not thinking clearly nowadays and it helps to write it on here. I'm just trying to figure out a long term solution before I snap and just dont go back into work one night. Sometimes I just want to crawl into a dark hole and not come out.

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If I were you I wouldn't go in on my nights off unless they gave u another night in that week off. Your nights off is for your own sanity an to spend time with your family. Having a work and family balance is so important

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I am also working overnight for 6months and it is also killing my body too. I work 4 nights in the row and those four nights I dont eat because I rather sleep than eat. I asked them if I could lose a night and they seem reluctant.

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I started strait nights last April and it has been rough. Am always tired, still in my PJs at 5pm and am going back to sleep at 6:30. A few things that work for me: I take an approved nap every night on my lunch break. Usually between 2:30 and 3:30. Even if I don't get enough sleep during the day that really helps. I also split my sleep. 8-noon and 6:30-10:30pm. I am up when my kids get home from school and back to sleep when they head out for the evening. Even with interruptions I can usually get 3 hrs/day without interruptions. The one good thing about nights is I stay out of politics and daytime drama. That being said, It is not an easy shift. Hope you can figure something out. Hang in there!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

What stuck out inmy mind was your statement about being successfully off anti depressants. Why is that a success? Depression is an illness like hypertension or diabetes or asthma. If medications make your life better, you should take them...just my opinion...not trying to give medical advice which is clearly against the rules.

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Because I felt I was no longer depressed or needed them. And I didnt for a long time untill i started working nights

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Because I felt I was no longer depressed or needed them. And I didnt for a long time untill i started working nights

The medication was helping with that feeling of "not depressed"

You also stated that you feel as though you might "snap"; I would suggest that you check into that and possibly seek out medical advice.

Best wishes.

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