Working as a full-time nurse is challenging enough, but working nights adds another layer of stress. Learning how to handle a night shift is a crucial skill to develop and build as a nurse, but it can be far easier said than done.
To help, we have put together some top tips to help you handle your first night shift as a nurse, and ensure that you deliver an excellent standard of care to your patients, while still taking care of your own needs.
How To Survive A Night Shift As A Nurse: Top Tips
Here are a few tips to help you survive a night shift.
1. Get Some Sleep Beforehand
It’s important to get plenty of sleep before you start work on a night shift. This will give you the energy you need to cope with the demands of the job, and also allow you to feel refreshed when you arrive at work.
If possible, try to go to bed early so that you are well rested for the night ahead.
It can be tempting to skip sleep or change up your routine ahead of a night shift, but this simply means that you will be tired and less able to perform your duties effectively.
Where possible, try to establish some kind of routine, and make sure that you get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep on the night before your shift.
2. Be Prepared For The First Day Of Work
Make sure that you have everything you need in order to do your best during your shift. This includes having all of your equipment (see also ‘How To Wear A Stethoscope‘) at hand, and knowing exactly where you need to be and when – this will ensure that you have one less thing to worry about.
Prepare for your shift as much as possible by doing any necessary paperwork, checking your equipment, and making sure that you have everything ready to go.
3. Have An Emergency Plan In Place
Working at night tends to mean that things often run a little differently – and this is particularly true in a hospital setting. Hospitals at night tend to be run on a skeleton staff, and the usual chains of command may be broken or delayed.
For this reason, it is more important than ever that you know exactly what to do if things go wrong when you are on a night shift (see also ‘Day Shift Vs. Night Shift For Nurses‘).
If there is ever a situation where you need to call for emergency assistance, then it’s vital that you know exactly what to do, who to call, and how to escalate the situation.
Make sure that you have a clear plan in place, which should include knowing what to do if someone becomes unwell, or if there is an accident, and that you have any contact details and information to hand.
4. Eat Well Prior To Starting Your Shift
A healthy diet is essential if you want to perform well during your shift. Make sure that you eat something light and easy to digest prior to starting your shift. Avoid eating heavy meals, which could leave you feeling sluggish and tired.
When you are first allocated to night shifts, it is only natural that you may experience some issues with appetite, diet, and digestion – these are natural occurrences as your body adjusts to the new schedule.
However, once you have been working nights for a few weeks, you should find that you are able to maintain a good diet, and avoid any problems with digestion.
Eat light, regular meals, with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein to fuel you, and keep snacks handy – try to make these healthy to boost your energy over the long term, rather than offering a short-term sugar boost.
In addition, you should try not to snack too close to bedtime, as this will prevent you from getting enough rest.
5. Stay Hydrated During Your Shift
Staying hydrated throughout your shift is vital. Try drinking water regularly, and avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine. These drinks can cause dehydration, leaving you feeling fatigued and unable to concentrate properly.
It is a good idea to carry a small bottle of water with you at all times, ensuring that you stay hydrated throughout your shift, and get into the habit of sipping water frequently.
It is also worth getting into the habit of drinking little and often so that you don’t feel thirsty while on duty.
Dehydration can increase how tired you feel and can lead to headaches and other symptoms. Drinking water regularly can help to combat these effects, and ensure that you remain alert and focused throughout your shift.
6. Keep Yourself Calm And Relaxed
Stress levels increase dramatically during a night shift, especially if you are new to the role. It’s therefore important to keep yourself calm and relaxed, and not let this affect your performance. Take regular breaks from work, and spend time relaxing and unwinding.
7. Know What Is Going On Around You
If you don’t already know what is happening around you, then you won’t be able to react quickly to situations that arise. Learn about the hospital environment, and familiarize yourself with the layout of the unit.
This way, you will be better prepared to deal with unexpected events.
8. Don’t Overwork Yourself
Working long hours without rest is never advisable. If you find that you are becoming exhausted, ask your charge nurse or manager if you can take a quick break. Be sure to make the most of your days off.
9. Stick To Your Routine
During a night shift, it’s important to stick to your normal routine.Follow the same procedures that you would normally do. This will help you to remain focused and alert, and ensure that you don’t miss anything out.
10. Get Some Rest
It’s important to remember that you still need some downtime after a long shift. Make sure that your body has enough time to recover, by getting plenty of sleep. This will help you feel refreshed when you return to work.
Try To Have Fun!
Finally, make sure that you enjoy your shift. Remember that you are working hard, so it’s important that you have fun too. Enjoying your job will help you to cope with stress, and ensure that you perform well during your shifts.
Make friends with those on your shift, and remember that you all need to support one another and keep your spirits up – this will be a big help on a night shift!
Final Thoughts
A night shift as a nurse is no easy feat. However, there are many ways in which you can prepare yourself for the experience, and ensure that you stay safe and healthy while doing so.
By following these tips, you should be able to get through your shift feeling confident and ready to face whatever challenges may come your way.