Tips for Newbies: Surviving the Night Shift

Having to work during the night shift can be overwhelming, however, there are a few recommendations that apart from being easy to follow, they can consistently improve performance during the night shift.

Probably one of the most challenging aspects of working as a nurse is getting used to working nights. Most people are not prepared to face this particular change in their schedule and end up feeling too tired during their shifts and not being able to carry out their work properly.

For amateur nurses the first time working during the night shift can be a horrific experience. Some people have lived their entire lives waking up at 8 am in the morning and going to bed around 10 pm (and even midnight), but once they have to face this new responsibility, their schedule and traditions have to go through a radical change.

However, it is important to look at the bright side and embrace some of the advantages offered by working nights. Also, it may not be as hard as it seems when taking into account some useful tips to help the body adjust to this new routine.

Advantages of night-shift nursing

Hospitals and healthcare settings in general are usually looking for nurses that are able to work at night. This great demand for night-shift nurses can be translated in a number of benefits that make it more attractive for those who are not so sure about accepting this deal.

One of the best advantages that most nurses highlight when asked about working nights is that recent graduates have the possibility of starting to work in the position of specialty they were studying, meaning that they will be able to accumulate experience earlier than nurses that work during the day.

Money, of course, is another important benefit offered by most healthcare systems for nursing night-shifts. Also, most institutions that have shifts of around 12 hours opt for decreasing the number of nights that nurses have to work during the week, usually taking it to 3 nights a week, an idea that may seem appealing for most nurses since they have many days a week for themselves.

Some other nurses find night-shifts less stressful because there are fewer patients and less traffic in general inside the healthcare facility. Night shifts are usually at a slower pace than day shifts, allowing them to offer better patient care. Also, imaging departments and equipment used for tests are usually in less demand, making all processes related to this way faster.

Cautions to be taken into account when working as nurses during the night

Nevertheless, not everything is as good as it seems and there are some reasons that make night-shift nursing a real challenge. The most important aspect that affects most nurses that work at night is that it is extremely difficult to carry on with during the first few weeks. A good example of this is the switching sleep schedules that interrupt completely the way their body works. Known as the circadian clock, this “mechanism” is in charge of stating those times of the day where sleeping is required.

Changing daily routine to be able to cover night shifts can trigger insomnia and even make people gain weight. Regarding the emotional departure, night-shifts can make people isolate from their friends and family members because they are working while the rest sleeps, this can turn into a feeling of loneliness.

This isolation in some cases causes couples to have problems, so it is recommended to have a great attitude when embracing the challenge of working at night. However, there are always some extra recommendations that can be helpful to ensure a good performance during night shifts.

Useful tips to adjust to night-shift nursing

1. Taking care of sleeping time: Sleeping is extremely important in order to be healthy and capable of facing this challenging change in the routine. In order to have enough energy for the night shift, it is required to sleep at least 7 hours within a 24-hour period (never spending 24 hours without sleeping). It is recommended to avoid caffeine at least when there are fewer hours left before sleeping. Many people who work during nights resort to sleeping pills, it is essential to avoid these since they can create an addiction.
2. Keeping in mind not all bodies react equally: Every nurse adapts differently to the night shift. Variations in the circadian clock genes are different depending on of each people’s DNA. People who are considered early risers may need to spend longer with adjusting to the night-shift. Many people try practicing some weeks before starting their night shifts.
3. Making sure the whole family understands: It can be very tough for a nurse if their family does not understand them. Understanding the nature and importance of this job is needed in order to reduce the possibility of feeling depressed. It is important noting that this lifestyle change not only affects the nurse but also the relatives, especially the ones living in the same house. It is important to save some leisure time to share with friends and family. Work should never be a reason to stop spending quality time with the people surrounding.
4. Be patient, it takes some time: Adjusting the body to the night shift may take some time, during the first couple of weeks nurses tend to feel more tired, however, after the first couple of weeks it is most likely to get better as the circadian clock starts adapting to the night-shift schedule.
5. Taking breaks: Breaks are very important in order to keep having some energy for the rest of the shift. Scheduling these breaks can be certainly useful; some people have found taking naps during these breaks may offer a wide range of benefits even if they are short, they are denominated “power naps.”
6. Having a healthy diet: Eating well plays an extremely important role in the process of adapting to a new working schedule. Eating healthy food and staying hydrated are two essential habits to avoid constipation, nausea, bloating and other gastrointestinal problems. Drinking water throughout the whole night shift will pay off immediately.
7. Exercising in order to stay active: Stay moving and do regular exercise. Having a lot of physical activity will increase alertness and help being more energetic throughout the day.
8. Avoid driving back home when feeling drowsy: The sun shining above your head does not guarantee you will not fall asleep on the road. In case of feeling drowsy, the best option is to call a relative, a friend or probably a taxi.
9. Wearing bright colors: Colorful scrubs that are bright help boost nurses’ mood and the people surrounding them. It is just a small detail but it can make the difference.
10. Staying productive: For nurses who do not work in the ER, it is common that patients will most likely be sleeping throughout the night. During those hours with not many things to take care of, it is important to keep having the same energetic mood. Staying busy during the whole shift will help nurses stay alert and, therefore, be useful to remain awake and feeling well.