Unsure of Nights

duker · May 16, 2005

I am a RN, just started working nights in neuro ICU this year. Does anyone have a problem working nights. I find that i sleep all the time now. I am only awake at night even on my days off and it ruining my life. Does this happen normally or am i having weird reaction to nights. I am literally nocturnal, no matter how hard i try to get up early i am grouchy and exhausted unless i sleep problem 10-12 a day!! I am thinking of leaving my job for a day shift position anywhere at allI have only been a nurse 2 years and am starting to get discouraged that i will never find the right position for me. Is anyone else feeling any of this??? Thanks for reading :uhoh21:

Don't quit it takes about 1 yr to get the night shift swing. I have worked nights for almost 8 yrs now except for a 6month day turn. yes when you start life is hell you could sleep standing up if left alone for 5 min. but it does get better eventually

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 16, 2005

What I didn't like about nights was the nocturnal life on days off. If I got up early, then I like you were tired and grouchy, so I surrendered to the nocturnal life, going to Walmart, to the gym, and playing on the computer at night. For me it was easier to keep a nocturnal life rather than try to be normal a few nights a week and up all night at work the other. Some people have no problem with switching from nights to days several times a week, but not me.

I finally after 14 years of this, went to day shift. Not everyone can work nights and there's no shame in that. The main reason I went to day shift was the overwhelming fatigue I developed from working nights. Now I'm less tired and my blood pressure is lower and I feel 100% more human.

Good luck in whatever you do. :)

pricklypear · May 16, 2005

Duker's right, it does take about a year to get used to it. I'm "used" to it by now after 5 years, but that doesn't make it anymore convienient!! I think it's just pure trade-off. I like the type of people I work with on nights, I like the "quiet" atmosphere, access to charts, autonomy, etc. I get sensory overloaded on day shift. That's the main reason I stay on nights. But I know lots of hard-core night shifters who have gone to days for one reason or another, and can't believe how much better they feel. Good luck to you!!

jkaee · May 17, 2005

I found that I was able to do nights for a little over a year, but after that I just couldn't do it anymore....had the same problems as you did, and slept all the time when I worked my weekends and DH was home with the kids. Some people just can't do it, and there's nothing wrong with that. If you really feel horrible, switch your shift. (By the way, it took me a good 6 months-1 year to get completely back to "normal" where I'd be tired enough at night to go to bed at a decent time....Can't tell you how many times I'd wake up at 3 am ready to go even after I quit night shift!)

Good luck to you!

Mijourney · May 18, 2005

I worked nights for several years and it was good for me as far as getting things done during the day. But, as I felt draggy all the time I eventually gave it up. I think nights is good for those of us moms and dads who have needs to fulfill with our children during the day. Depending on the unit you work, nights is also good if you don't want the pace of days and early evenings. However, unless there is some overriding reason you want to stay on nights, I agree that you should consider applying for another shift.