RN : What you need to know, first and foremost, that it’s typical for nurses, occasionally or even regularly, to be scheduled for 12-hour night shifts.

NS : Yes. And I’ve heard a lot about how night shifts are exhausting. And frankly, I don’t feel at ease with that.

RN : Well, at first it might seem so. But you’ll get to be used to it faster than you think. And though it’s quieter during the night, work routine requires the same round-the-clock care as in daytime, with probably even more patients to attend to. Therefore, you won’t even get bored, and the work might even be more rewarding.

NS : I still see double trouble in that. Sleepiness and much work.

RN : Don’t only see the "negative" side. The good thing about it is that since there’s less coming and going during the night, you may experience more one-to-one time with patients and build more trust relationship with them, which is somehow an important part of the care process.

NS : Ok. Admittingly, but how can we be prepared for a night shift then?

RN : You just need to simply plan ahead and establish a routine, like any other regular activity you do. In this sense, night shifts can even be a productive and, and as I said, rewarding activity.

NS : But there still are risks in working at night, from what I hear, like sleep disturbances, work-home conflict, burnout and even depression? Isn’t that true ?

RN : We don’t need to exaggerate that, do we ? Since pos sible side effects of night shifts are known, strategizing is the key word here. You just need to associate family and friends to get their support as your daily routine will be opposite to theirs, to adjust meal times, leisure time and sleep patterns, and not let work interfere with your home life and personal relationships.

NS : However, I still can’t figure out how not to be mind and body exhausted.

RN : As I told you, adapting your sleep habits, but also the food and beverage quality to get enough vitamins, fibers and proteins, and be well hydrated. Of equal importance are short naps at work if you’re allowed to. You might also consider alternatives to driving your own car if you feel drowsy. And never forget to try relaxation techniques and adapted physical activities.

NS : As I see it, frankly, it seems to be rather hard all the same, but then feasible.

RN : Yes. You need just to concentrate on the benefits of being a night shift nurse. Starting off by having a positive outlook can make the experience enjoyable for nurses and patients. For example, evenings are typically quieter as you’ll be less interrupted, which makes you focus on your work and your patients, as, generally speaking, patients have fewer visitors overnight. And the opportunities to foster friendly and close relationships with your colleagues are higher. Night wages might also be more important, which is in itself an opportunity.

NS : Seems not bad after all !