In nursing, night shift is an extremely common possibility! After all, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and other places that employ nurses are open 24/7. Many of us have to start on night shift after graduation to “pay our dues” or “to earn day shift.” Night shift can be extremely difficult for many of us. I’ve worked night shift multiple different times during my seven years as a nurse and these are my best tips!
First Shift
I’ve tried two ways to handle my first night shift of the week. The first has always worked better for me.
- Wake up as usual but skip your usual coffee or caffeine intake in the morning. Try to lie down to take a nap about 3-4 hours before you need to leave. When I have to be at work at 1900, I try to nap around 1500 so I can at least sleep a couple of hours.
- Stay up late the night before and try to sleep in. I find this option difficult as I have always been a morning person so I naturally wake up earlier.
Do Not Disturb Mode
I highly recommend setting up and using the “do not disturb” mode on your phone, if you have it. I have mine set to mute everything except my alarm clock and phone calls from my “favorite” list.
Caffeinate Wisely
I typically drink my first cup of coffee or latte before I leave the house or on the way to work. I then usually have another around 2300 or midnight and don’t drink anymore after that. I’ve heard a lot of people say drinking coffee before bed doesn’t bother them but it surely bothers me! I not only have a hard time falling asleep, I have a hard time staying asleep as well.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated is a must. After all, even mild dehydration can make you tired and fatigued. Another perk of drinking extra water on night shift is that it’ll prompt you to go to the bathroom more and that little walk can help wake you up. With that being said, I try to only sip on the water about 2-3 hours before I expect to be in bed.
Healthy Snacks
When fast food is the only thing open late at night, it’s hard to eat better food so I highly recommend packing your own healthy foods! I tend to snack versus eat full meals a lot of the time since I’ll get sleepy if my belly is full! I like to eat a lot of salads, cheeses, mixed nuts, yogurt, granola bars, fruits, and PB&J sandwiches. I’ll also bring an actual “meal” with me as well but a smaller portion than usual.
Get Up and Move
On slower nights, it’s definitely harder to stay awake. I try to save stocking rooms and other tasks that involve walking around for the time of the night when I am most tired (usually 2 AM-4 AM). It also helps to just walk laps around the department to wake you up when you’re starting to get sleepy at the desk.
Sleeping Environment
I HIGHLY recommend getting black out curtains for your room. It makes so much of a difference in not only making the room nearly pitch black dark, but also cooler during the day! If you’re the type that needs absolute silence to sleep, get some ear plugs as well.
What are your best tips for surviving the night shift?
