We know you can be an amazing health care provider and be the nurse your patients need. We also know working all through the night to tend to them isn’t easy. Heck, we know you’d rather be #snoozing! It takes a little practice to stay awake and active during your night shift. Try these five tips to get the most out of your graveyard shifts.
Get Enough Sleep
- Make your room a cave with some black out curtains
- Wear a sleep mask and use earplugs
- Consider using white noise to mask daytime distractions
- Shut off things that could wake you up early, like a cell phone or even your doorbell (just make sure you set your alarm!)
Remember: less distractions = better sleep!
Eat Better [1]
- Are high in protein like chicken, eggs or fish
- Have natural sugars like fruits
- Aren’t rich in carbs like bread, potatoes or cereal (they actually make you sleepier!)
Think about bringing food and snacks from home. Save yourself some cash so you aren’t getting something #meh from the vending machines.
Working with Others? Get to Know Them!
- Find ways to be active with them, physically and mentally. Go for a walk down the halls or play some logic-style games like crossword puzzles. These things can help you both stay alert and sharp for when your patients need you.
- Routinely check in with coworkers. Ask them for help and be proactive in building a teamwork environment.
- Comfort them if they had a hard experience with a patient. Let them know when you’re having a rough day so they can be your shoulder to lean on. Remember, you’re in this together!
- Give them a ride to or from work. No sleepy drivers on the road!
- Talk with them about your likes, your dislikes, who your celebrity crush of the week is, anything!
Continue to Retrain Your Body
It may seem weird at first to be sleeping during the day and awake at night, but you’ll need to adjust to a new schedule to be more effective at your job. So what should your schedule look like?
Remember “Me Time”
- Go get a massage or pedicure
- Read a book or magazine
- Binge-watch your favorite show
- Get a bite to eat with friends if they’re available
- Visit your family
Remember that you can also utilize your workplace’s resources to assist you if you experienced a rough shift. Above all, focus on getting that proper balance of work and rest. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help if you’re still feeling drained or exhausted. We all want you to be successful!
[1] http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/nutrition-tips-for-night-shift-workers [2] Important information about the educational debt, earnings and completion rate of students who attended this program can be found at carrington.edu/GE. [3] https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-tools-tips/tips-shift-workers