Tips for surviving working nights as an L&D nurse

Julesmama28 · Nov 3, 2014

I'm in my last semester of school and I've been doing nights for my senior specialty. A few things I've learned:

Don't worry too much about being tired, it isn't as hard as we imagine it'll be.

I like to wake up early on my night shift day, then take a couple hour nap in the afternoon.

Buy an eye mask that's comfortable, it's the easiest way to block out light.

White noise helps to block out day noises like lawn mowers and kids etc.

If you drink caffeine, stop before 2-3 am. Go home after your shift and go straight to bed! If you don't, then you kind of catch a second wind and have trouble.

If you're switching back and forth, I like to wake up at noon or 1 pm and then go to bed at normal time.

Make sure you eat healthy, drink lots of water and get sunlight and exercise on your days off.

Good luck!!

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Nov 3, 2014

First of all, working nights does not mean you are at the bottom of anything. That's insulting to those of us who work nights by choice. Patients need the same level of care at night as they do during the day. And night shift nurses provide that care.

Second, there are lots of threads you might search on this topic and find a lot of excellent, archived advice.

gelibean · Nov 3, 2014

Meanmaryjean. I was not trying to insult you nor any of the other night nurses. Those were the exact words my nurse manager used. Second of all, why would I try to insult nurses who work at night when I will be doing nights; doesn't make sense to insult myself when I'm in the same boat. I'm not a hypocrite. For all I know, I could end up LOVING nights.

But thank you for your input. I did look at recent posts. I just wanted a more detailed answer related to other nurses who work in this specific field. I'm sure different nurses have their own way of handling nights being in a psych hospital vs an ER.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2014

L and D could be feast or famine. Which means sometimes it is super busy and other times it is really slow. This will play a factor on how you do during your shift. I typically do better when Im busy at work. Time flies.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Nov 4, 2014

Good evening everyone,
This is my first job and I will be an L&D nurse and being that I am new, I will be in the bottom of the totem pole. A.K.A. I will be working nights. I have never stayed up all night and it has me a bit worried. I doubt I will fall asleep on the job but I am just uneasy that I will be uncomfortably tired and maybe delirious half way through the shift :/
Any tips or suggestions for this new nurse!! Pleeeeaaaase

Surviving nights as an L & D nurse really isn't that much different than surviving nights as an ICU nurse, and ED nurse, a Med/Surg nurse or a hospice nurse. So a search on "Night shift" and you'll find enough advice to keep you reading all night!

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Nov 4, 2014

OP- if your manager truly thinks night shift is the 'bottom of the totem pole' - that concerns me. Does she really feel that way about his/her night shift nurses? I hope not!

AFwife727, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2014

I too just accepted an offer for a night shift position on a GYN unit! I'm so excited. After working as a home health RN, I'm really looking forward to working in the hospital. The way I see it, once you get that hospital job, you're golden. You can always try to switch to day shift if you feel you need to, in a couple years after you put your time in. Congratulations!

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Nov 6, 2014

I work nights by choice in L&D, and yes- it can be feast or famine! I've spent MANY a night propping my eyelids open, watching tv, waiting for 7am. I actually prefer it when we are super busy, because the night flies.

Anyway, yeah. It takes some adjusting, but as long as you prioritize sleep you will be fine. I have found that it is way too easy to allow things to cut into your sleep time, especially when you have kids. Black out curtains, an eye mask, and doxylamine is how I make sure I get at least 6 hours if I have to work two + nights in a row. I am just as careful not to oversleep when I am rotating shifts- really important to maintain your "normal" bedtime if you rotate.

NurseNora, BSN, RN · Nov 6, 2014

There are more nurses working night shift against their preference than nurses working days who would rather stay up all night. Some places pay a night shift differential, I've never heard of one paying extra to get nurses to work days. So, yeah, night shift is the bottom of the totem pole in many ways. She said she meant no offense, so get over it. I work night shift by preference and have for many years.

Anyway...sleep tips: Room darkening shades are a help, but not enough for me. I need a good sleep mask and am willing to pay a lot for a good one. The memory foam people have a good one, there's another with a brand name of Bucky that's good. I personally prefer one that allows me to open my eyes and these two do. I use Benadryl to help me sleep, especially the nap before the first night when I'm not so tired. Also Rescue Remedy sleep spray (health food store). In the summer time, melatonin has been helpful for me, so is being sure to wear sunglasses while driving home. In the winter, I miss the sun and know some nurses who have to use the lights for Seasonal Affective Disorder because of the lack of sunlight. Just try to minimize sun exposure before sleep and get as much as you can at other times. It will take a while to train your family and friends to not bother you while you sleep. Some people just don't get it and I have been known to call repeat offenders at 2am to chat. After all, I'm awake. Background noise helps. White noise irritates me, so I put on an audio book that I've listened to before (so I'm not tempted to stay awake and listen), or leave the TV on low.

Staying awake tips: Take some healthy snacks to work because many people eat to stay awake. So make yours cheese sticks, raw veggies and fruit instead of junk from the vending machines. In my hospital, many people run the stairs during slow times to stay awake. The stair well is filled with encouraging signs posted by those energetic people. The best I can do is a lap or two thru the department. While you're still new, do scavenger hunts thru the department to keep your mind and body active while learning your way around.

Youll do well. Night shift is more relaxed without the hustle and bustle of all the extra people on days. We're used to new grads and watch out for each other a little more closely than day shift because there tend to be more less experienced people. Usually. Where I work now, there are lots of us old farts at night, but I think this is the exception.

SubSippi · Nov 6, 2014

OP- if your manager truly thinks night shift is the 'bottom of the totem pole' - that concerns me. Does she really feel that way about his/her night shift nurses? I hope not!

I think the "totem pole" thing is more in reference to the OP's place in line when it comes to choosing which shifts to work, not so much that working nights indicates a nurse's incompetency.