how to transition into night nurse

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 26, 2013

I love your vocabulary (tumultuous vexation) - such a refreshing change!

If you have never worked nights before, the change can seem pretty daunting - the unknown is always scary. But many of us found that working nights was no big deal. I actually felt that the camaraderie and pace of nights was much better than days. The only shift I could never adjust to was evenings (3p-11p). The key to that adjustment is to ensure that you get adequate sleep. I usually slept from 9-ish to ~ 3:30 or 4 pm. If I was 'off' the next night, I would only sleep until about 1pm.... so I would be able to sleep at a 'reasonable' hour that night. You'll soon adapt to a schedule that suits you.

Help your biorhythm to 'wind down' so you can sleep by avoiding caffeine in last hours of your shift. Make sure you have a good 'day sleeping' environment. Use blackout curtains or sleep mask if you are sensitive to light. Keep the AC or heat adjusted for comfort rather than cycling to the eco-friendly "gone to work" settings. Turn off your phone ringer. You may need to put a sign on the door letting people know that there's a 'day sleeper' inside.

Go into the change with an open mind rather than believing all the horror stories and expecting the worst. You may even like it!

tarotale · Jul 26, 2013

Thanks fot the comment. I also usually heard that night shift is much calmer, not as hectic and fast paced as day shift. Biorhyth, is one thing I am, little worried but I should manage. Thanks