Surviving the night shift

Picture this: You’re wrapping up a great interview, you hit it off with the manager, you love the layout of the hospital, and you’re familiar with the software. Everything seems to be falling right into place, and then they ask you this: How do you feel about working the night shift?

The dreaded night shift. For many, it’s their last preference when it comes to a work schedule. However, with the popularity of traveling at an all-time high, it’s important to consider your options when it comes to working the night shift. Keep in mind that the current employees at any given facility with a travel need are working extra shifts and working hard. They’re exhausted – and they need a break, too! So although working the night shift may not seem ideal, it is necessary in order to keep the hospital functioning. Here are some tips on how to survive overnights.

Nutrition – This is a universal truth: your body needs proper fuel to function! Drinking plenty of water and consuming nutritious foods are essential to keeping your body working its best. Eating foods that are high in protein can help keep you alert and focused, while carbohydrate rich foods can leave you feeling relaxed and drowsy. Avoid the breads and cereal, and keep string cheese, peanut butter, turkey, tuna, or cottage cheese on hand for a protein boost. On a similar note, keep your caffeine consumption under control. This includes limiting those sugary soft drinks that we all have a tendency to turn to when we need a little pick-me-up! Some studies have shown that the body’s ability to process sugar declines at night, and if you’re drinking coffee during your whole shift in an effort to stay awake, you’ll have a harder time falling asleep when it’s time to get some rest. A cup or two of coffee is fine, but stick to water for the rest of your shift to stay hydrated and keep the jitters to a minimum.

Phone a friend – When it comes to traveling, one of the greatest benefits can be the connections you make with the people around you. Like any job, it’s a lot more fun when you work with a friend. Get acquainted with your coworkers and keep the conversation flowing. This can help keep you awake and engaged in your work.

Schedule time to sleep and stick to your schedule – Exercise and a bedtime routine can help you relax and prepare your mind and body for sleep. Many travelers who have recently made the switch to night shift find themselves sleeping from the time they get off work until it’s time to go back for their next shift. Try to avoid this as much as possible. Too much sleep will make you overly tired, and maintaining a set and consistent sleep schedule, even on your nights off, is an important way to keep your internal clock from getting out of whack and helping your body get accustomed to a new and different routine. Powering down your electronics also helps so shut off your TV, phones, or anything that can potentially disrupt a restful sleep.

Find your work/life balance – This is crucial to finding happiness in traveling. Some will consider traveling for a variety of reasons, but maintaining your relationships at home and putting the time in is also important.

Plan for your pets – Traveling with a pet can help you feel connected to your “regular life” while you’re on assignment, and having a furry friend to keep you company is certain to make the transition much easier. However, if you’re working nights and ready to sleep after a long shift, a pet who is ready to do nothing but play may find you feeling frustrated. A simple solution? There are plenty of toys on the market these days that can keep our animals entertained even when we’re away at work.  From treat and food mazes and puzzles to sensory stimulating contraptions, keeping your closest pal busy while you’re away can help them be ready for nothing but snoozes and snuggles when you get home.

There are definitely benefits to working the night shift:

• More time during the day means it can be easier to run errands and take care of personal matters, not to mention the grocery store is much quieter at 11 a.m. than in the early evening when all the nine-to-fivers are crowding the produce aisle.
• The commute to work for an overnight shift can be much less painful and take a fraction of the time it would take to get to work during a traditional rush hour.  Does it seem like all of the lights are green?!
• Working overnights gives you more time to spend outside getting some sun. Plus, all that extra Vitamin D will help give you more energy.
• Higher pay. Many hospitals offer shift differentials in traditional, full-time roles.
• Working the night shift can be challenging – especially if there’s only a few techs in the lab. It’s a good change of pace from the day shift.
• This is your chance to shine!  There are fewer people to compete with working the night shift, and it’s a great opportunity to show that you can work independently without being micro managed.

Obviously, the night shift isn’t for everyone. If you’re a sleep-through-your-alarm kind of person, the night shift may just not work for you.  However, if you’re a night owl, the night shift may be ideal!  A travel assignment is a great way to try something new, and you may find that you work better at night, with less disruptions and more personal responsibility. Considering the night shift while traveling is a great incentive to do something you’ve never done before.

Reva Baumann is an Account Manager with the Medical Laboratory division of Aureus Medical Group.