Nursing is a round-the-clock profession, and several nurses find themselves in a position where they have to work the night shift. Night shift nursing can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding in its own way. When working unconventional hours, it’s important to prepare yourself both mentally and physically. These are the nurse night shift essentials that you need to know.
Embracing the Night Shift: Understanding the Benefits and Challenges
Many entry-level nurses are required to work the night shift, which typically lasts from about 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., though the specific hours may vary depending on the hospital. Most nurses eventually gain experience with the graveyard shift during their careers. It can be daunting to work these unconventional hours, but there are plenty of nurses who prefer these quieter times when they have an opportunity to develop a stronger connection with their patients.
The Perks of Night Shift Nursing
There are a surprising number of benefits associated with night shift nursing, which is why some nurses actually prefer this shift. According to the American Nurses Association, these are some of the top benefits of night shift nursing:
- The night shift can actually be a more peaceful and quiet time to work, and you will find that there is less administrative work involved when compared to the day shift.
- The night shift provides nurses with a unique opportunity to care for their patients directly and connect with them in ways that day shift nurses cannot. The pace can be slower during the night shift, giving nurses a chance to truly get to know their patients.
- The night shift may offer premium pay, depending on where you work. In some hospital systems, night shift nurses earn a higher hourly rate or salary because of the unconventional hours required.
Challenges of the Night Shift
Undeniably, there are several challenges associated with night shift nursing, the most obvious being the difficult hours. It is unnatural for the human body to stay awake all night long, and the night shift can have a detrimental impact on your sleep quality. Some of the top challenges of working as a night shift nurse include:
- You may have a difficult time adjusting your internal body clock and sleep schedule. You will likely only work the night shift a few times each week, which means that you will be alternating sleeping during the night and during the daytime.
- You may be more prone to health risks. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of heart disease or diabetes.
- You may feel more isolated, both in your personal and professional life. Night shift nurses often have to miss out on family events and social gatherings due to the nature of their work schedule.
- In addition, you may be working with fewer staff members overnight, leaving you to feel separated from your colleagues or that you do not have enough patient care support
Night Shift Nurse Essentials: Gearing Up for Success
Working the night shift, however, is not impossible, especially when you make an effort to take care of your physical and mental health. These are the night shift nurse essentials that you need not only to survive the night shift, but to thrive during your working hours.
Gear Up for the Shift
Just as a business professional would pack their briefcase for the day, you will need to pack for success before beginning your overnight shift as a nurse. Some of the best things to take for the shift include:
- Comfortable clothing
- Healthy snacks, especially those that can be eaten on the go
- A water bottle
- Comfort items that promote relaxation and alertness
Prioritize Sleep and Recovery
If you are going to consistently work from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., you have to make sleep a top priority. Managing sleep deprivation can be difficult when you are first working the overnight shift, but the American Nurses Association notes that you can prioritize healthy sleep habits by:
- Going to bed immediately after your shift is over. If it is daylight when you leave work, you can wear sunglasses to convince your circadian rhythms that it is still nighttime.
- Creating a dark, comfortable and relaxing space in your home where you can rest. Blackout curtains can help you keep your room dark, even during the daytime hours. You may find that a white noise machine helps drown out the sounds of activity in the house.
- Reminding your family members that you need to sleep and asking for their help and support along the way.
Fuel Your Body Right
As a night shift nurse, you will need to nourish your body with healthy foods to stay alert and combat fatigue during your shift. Meal planning is critically important for night shift nurses, who may need to prep meals in advance to avoid getting takeout food on a regular basis. Incorporating protein-packed snacks into your night shift and avoiding foods filled with sugar and caffeinated beverages can help you naturally improve your attention span and boost your energy levels. Above all, stay hydrated, as this is the key to staying healthy and alert throughout your shift.
Stay Active and Alert
Even if you are a veteran night shift nurse, you will find that feeling tired is part of the job. To combat fatigue and stay alert during your shift, you should be sure to:
- Take short breaks on a regular basis.
- Prioritize light exercise that helps you feel energized, such as walking or yoga.
- Socialize with your colleagues, as this can help you stay mentally engaged during your shift.
Create a Supportive Work Environment
There is a sense of camaraderie that develops during the night shift, as you and your colleagues will be going through the same challenges together. You can play an active role in creating a positive work environment by:
- Being honest with your colleagues about what you love about the job, and what you don’t like as much. Encourage them to share their own concerns and feedback with you.
- Working and collaborating with your colleagues to divide up the tasks that have to be done overnight. This can help prevent the work from becoming tedious or mundane.
Technology and Tools
In addition to the strategies mentioned, incorporating the latest technology and digital tools can greatly assist in adjusting to night shift nursing. When it comes to technology and devices, these are some of the top night shift nurse essentials:
- Sleep tracking apps – These apps can help you track your sleep when you aren’t working and allow you to develop strategies for getting better, more restful sleep after your shift.
- Noise-canceling headphones – High-quality headphones can help you block out noise in your home after work, allowing you to sleep more easily during the daytime.
- Blue light blocking glasses – These glasses can protect your eyes from blue light, ultimately reducing the impact that it has on your circadian rhythms.
Personal Safety Considerations
Your personal safety and well-being are paramount when working as a night shift nurse, especially when getting to and from the hospital. When you arrive for your shift, be sure to park in a well-lit area as close to the entrance as possible. Use a buddy system so that at least one colleague knows where you are at any given time. Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly if you are arriving or leaving work after dark.
Thriving on the Night Shift: Tips for Success
The night shift doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, many nurses find that they actually prefer it. If you are going to take on the graveyard shift, these nurse night shift essentials will help you grow into the role and thrive during the shift:
Managing Stress and Burnout
The risk of burnout in nursing is quite high, regardless of which shift you work or where you are employed. Fortunately, there are many strategies that you can use to help prevent burnout. You can best manage stress and prevent burnout by embracing mindfulness techniques, prioritizing your rest and improving sleep quality, getting enough exercise and asking for help if you need it.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Nursing can feel like an all-encompassing profession, but you need to maintain a sense of work-life balance to prevent burnout and reduce the stress that is commonly associated with the job. When you are not working, set boundaries and avoid work-related activities during that time. You also need to prioritize self-care, and always make sure to do things that you enjoy outside of work, such as playing with your kids, reading a favorite book or taking an exercise class.
Professional Development Opportunities
Pursue professional development opportunities to grow as a nurse and advance your career. As a night shift nurse, you may find that there are more opportunities for advancement in a shorter amount of time. That said, you will want to prepare accordingly by pursuing certifications, attending conferences and taking on leadership roles within the unit.
Elevate Your Nursing Career at Nevada State University
At Nevada State University, we offer an RN to BSN online program that allows you to build upon your existing experience as a nurse and accelerate the path toward earning your BSN. Featuring a curriculum that was intentionally structured to emphasize the importance of empathetic, individualized care in nursing, this innovative program allows you to grow both personally and professionally.
Request more information about our online nursing degree programs today.