Worked my first night shift

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I worked my first night shift last night and wow, what a difference. I felt a little disoriented at times, and leaving with the sun coming up was a little wierd. I got through it with the help of trusty old caffiene, though, and I think I will really like it once I get used to it. It was odd to come home this morning when my husband was getting up.

Thus continues my initiation into nursing . . .

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

I LOVE the night shift. I have been working days since August and worked a night last week. I had a blast. I forgot the feel to it. Maybe I'm weird, but I am a true night owl. It can get kind of silly, but you do get used to it after a while. Good Luck!

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Specializes in too many to remember.

I actually prefer nights. I have found the staff is a little more closely knit, you don't get surgicals on the floor at 0200 (unless emergency surgery), you just seem to have a little more time to do what you need to do. I have had good and bad nights, more good than bad. And I would rather work a 12 hour night shift vs 8 hour night shift.

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Rae,

I think nurses who can survive the night shift are amazing! Our L&D night staff are such a great group of people ... it made the thought of going to nights possible. However, I was fortunate enough to get a spot on the day shift before I had to start on nights ... whew! Best of luck to you in L&D ... I love hearing your questions and stories as I am a new grad and just recently on my own as well. We're all in this together! :)

Stasia

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Night shift is a whole different world, that much I know.....

Keep up the great work. It will probably take you several shifts to get the "rhythm" down and feel comfortable. There are a lot of differences between day and night shift routines. You will get used to it after a while. GOOD LUCK!

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I'm a bit strange I guess cause I really don't mind night shifts. Right now I do mostly nights, with some days thrown in (we do 8hr shifts).

I worked FT nights when I was pregnant and it was great cause there wasn't quite as much lifting to do.

I also sleep SO good after working a night shift!

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Thanks, everyone! I usually do not have a problem sleeping during the day . . . I am one of those who can fall asleep anywhere, just about. And I am so NOT a morning person.

Three night shifts later, I really like it! I think I could really get used to this. It's a little strange not having mgmt about and stuff. . . And I keep getting my times mixed up (0100, not 1300!)

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