A mention of working the night shift often conjures a frown or a thumbs down. And the nickname the "graveyard shift" does not help to redeem the late shift image. But when one delves into a travel nurse's realities working overnight in acute care or hospital setting, many benefits rise to the surface. Advantages such as—
1. You will make more money. Most companies pay a premium to their employees for working the night shift. This paycheck differential certainly has its appeal, and over time, it can significantly impact the family's finances.
2. Enhanced sense of comradeship. The camaraderie of the night shift team is unique, creating a bond and a commitment to each other that is undeniable. The low-key atmosphere of the night shift aids in cultivating valuable, lasting friendships.
3. Fewer distractions and disruptions. Due to fewer visitors, phone calls, etc., working overnight can result in a quieter workplace. While this does not mean working the night shift is slow, productivity can benefit from the increased focus a quieter setting affords. In fact, nurses working the night shift often have extra responsibilities such as lifting and turning patients independently.
4. Opportunities to build one's skillset. Especially if you are a new travel nurse, working the night shift can provide opportunities to float to different units allowing you to gain experience and build your skillset. The night shift also often offers ample opportunity for mentoring.
5. Less competition. In general, fewer people seek out the graveyard shift, opening the door of opportunity and accelerating the climb up the ladder.
6. Reduced commute time! The opportunity to trade rush hour traffic for nearly deserted roadways allows for more family or "me" time.
7. More hours in the day. Once they settle into the routine, many night-shifters feel like they have more time for other endeavors such as going to the gym or revisiting a neglected hobby.
8. Time to pursue further education. Working at night often makes it more convenient to schedule the classes needed to finish one's degree, seek certifications, or upgrade training.
9. A multitude of parenting-friendly options. Working the night shift allows parents to focus more attentively on the needs of the family. While the day shift has one returning to the family as busy schedules pull in many extra-curricular directions and the rush of dinner, homework, and bedtime beckons, working the night shift allows for a more relaxed evening. Also, when parents work opposite shifts, children glean the benefit of individual time with both parents as well as family time.
So, is the night shift right for you? The only way to truly know is to give it a try. Beth Jordan, Senior Travel Nurse Recruiter, encourages travel nurses to test the waters. "Don't base your decision on one or two shifts of night work. Rather, give it a few weeks, and don't be afraid to ask questions."
LeaderStat specializes in direct care staff, interim leadership, executive recruitment, travel nursing and consulting for healthcare organizations nationwide.
Working the graveyard shift (11 p.m. - 7 a.m.) can lead to digestive problems, a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, higher cholesterol, increased depression and anxiety disorders, more errors and accidents, and a higher rate of divorce.
Night shift work increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It disrupts the body's circadian rhythms—the 24-hour internal “clock” that controls when you sleep and wake. Studies have shown that eating at night alters the body's metabolism.
Studies show young people are particularly susceptible to blue light affecting sleep. Luckily, our technology has adapted. A simple way to avoid both sleep disruption and eye strain is to turn on night mode on our iPhone or Android devices.”
Enhanced pay in comparison to day shift workers. Some day shift workers may need to do extra hours to top up their salary whereas night shift workers may be - but not always - on a higher rate of pay. Child care and family loyalties.
Eat high protein foods (vegetables, peanut butter on crackers, fruit, etc) to keep you alert. If you simply must eat some sweets, which tend to make you sleepy, do so at the END of your shift. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages before bedtime.
Create a relaxation routine that helps you wind down and signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Read a book, take a warm bath, meditate, practice yoga, or listen to calming music. Choose whatever works for you and make that a regular, nightly/daily routine as you get ready for bed.
After working a night shift, go to bed immediately and force yourself to get up in 4 hours. Sleeping longer will slow the next night's sleep. Go about your normal daily activities. If you must work again that night, sleep another 2-4 hours before going into work.
In general, clockwise shift rotations should be used (day–evening–night). Ideally, a rotational schedule should include no more than 3 night shifts in a block, with 3 days of recuperation after the night shift work. In general, 8-hour shifts are preferable to 12-hour shifts.
As a cause of profound sleep disruption, shift work has been found to put people at a higher risk of chronic disease and mental illness. As early as 2007, the World Health Organisation identified the effect of night-shift work on the body's rhythms as a possible carcinogen.
If you're focused on gaining unique experiences, working night shifts can offer a different set of challenges that can enhance your problem-solving skills and mental health resilience. Even better, some hospitals and facilities may offer higher pay rates for night shifts.
Having night mode on during the day won't cause any increased damage to your eyes and if anything, may be beneficial as you're much more bombarded with blue light (HEV waves) during the day. Having night mode during the day for multiple days WON'T cause eye problems.
Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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