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For nurses that are used to working the day shift, switching to nights can be a challenge. While the job description remains the same after hours in most cases, the work environment is often slower paced since patients typically sleep at night. There’s also the personal adjustment you have to make to your schedule and sleeping habits.
While it may not be easy at first, you can help ease your transition to the night shift by following these tips compiled by EveryNurse.org.
1. Get Enough Sleep: Sleeping during the day when the sun is shining brightly is difficult for most nurses in the beginning. But, it’s still essential to get a full eight hours of rest each day. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) advises night shift nurses to set a bedtime and waking time each day and stick to it so the body gets used to the new sleep schedule. They also recommend dark curtains that help simulate night time as well as eye masks and earplugs to block out disturbances when necessary.
2. Be Careful with Caffeine: Many nurses use coffee and other caffeinated beverages to stay alert during the night shift. The NSF agrees that caffeine used wisely can help make the night shift more bearable, but they caution against using too much. According to the Mayo Clinic, “up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That's roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two "energy shot" drinks.”
3. Make Smart Meal & Snack Choices: When it comes to staying alert on the night shift, veteran night shift nurses recommend choosing healthy snacks and meals that support your energy, stamina, and performance levels. If your diet is heavy on known energy zappers like sugary/salty processed snacks and fast foods, you may lack the boost you need to make it through your shift.
4. Monitor Your Health: Night shift workers are more likely than their daytime counterparts to suffer from insomnia, daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, diabetes, menstrual irregularities, colds, and weight gain. That’s why it’s important to keep a closer eye on your health if you work nights.
5. Connect with Co-Workers: With fewer managers, directors, and physicians on duty, night nurses often report having to build a strong team atmosphere after hours to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.
Having great nurses on the night shift is essential to providing patients with the best care possible. Although it may take some getting used to, by following these tips, you can ensure your career success and make a valuable contribution to the care of patients after hours.