Night Shift Nursing 101
Whether nursing school graduation is quickly approaching and you’re curious about what night shift nursing entails, looking to pick up extra shifts while the rest of the world sleeps, or hustling in the hospital halls between 7P-7A and trying to stay healthy, you have come to the right place!
Often nurses have the opportunity to pick up a night shift or take regularly scheduled night shifts. Night shift generally refers to an eight to twelve hour shift between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Areas such as the Emergency Department may have staggered shifts outside of the traditional 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in order to effectively cover hours which generally have an increase in patients.
One of the most frequently asked question is, “Do night shift nurses make more money?” Often facilities will pay an “Evening or Night Shift Salary Differential.” This is a set dollar amount or a specific percentage that is paid in addition to the regular nursing rate per hour for nurses that work outside of normal business hours (8:00 am to 5:00pm).
Effects of Working Night Shift
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a training course for nurses on shift work and long hours. Part 1 of the training course identifies health and safety risks that are associated with shift work and long hours and factors that can impact a nurse’s ability to adjust to shift work. Part 2 of the training course presents strategies managers and nurses can implement to reduce risks from shift work and long hours.
Best Sleep Schedule for Night Shift
Nurses who work night shifts are more likely to experience sleep deprivation due to disruption in circadian rhythm, the natural physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that night-shift nurses should be consistent with sleep patterns. On days off, night shift nurses should go to bed at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. and wake at noon or 1 p.m. One body will adjust to night shifts more effectively with consistent sleep cycling. On days that a nurse works the night shift, they should go to sleep as soon as they get home (e.g., 8 a.m.) and sleep as long as possible.
Here are a few of my favorite Night Shift Nurse items to help with a great day’s sleep.
Develop a solid routine for falling asleep
Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
Avoid blue light before sleeping (e.g., sunlight, laptops and computer monitors, smartphones, tablets, TVs, fluorescent and CFL bulbs)
Have a light snack or small “breakfast” before heading to bed.
Limit caffeine and fluid intake towards the latter part of your shift and right before bed.
Invest in a loud, reliable alarm clock.
Many nurses value the workplace culture and change of pace (depending on the area) that night shift brings. This is especially true when the desirable culture comes with a financial incentive that can be easily calculated and adds up fast! With the help of the information and items above, Night Shift nursing can be a valuable experience whether it’s for short term to make extra cash for the holidays or if you’re a night shift nurse for life.
These are items I hope you find helpful in your nursing journey. If you take action (i.e., make a purchase) after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn some coffee money ☕ which I promise to drink while continuing to support your nursing journey. 😘 You do not pay a higher price.
