Thoughts From The Night Shift
Posted by Sean on October 19, 2009
So I survived my first ‘rotation’ on the night shift. It wasn’t bad. Not bad at all. At least I think it was. I was really expecting to be drained. To be utterly exhausted like the last time I did nights (at my job that was 70 miles away).
It’s amazing how different things are when you get home at a decent time, and actually make it to bed on time.. and get the proper amount of sleep!
Go figure.
I will admit.. I still watched the clock. Even though I tolerated being up.. I sure didn’t LIKE it in any way. I still got that overwhelming ‘zombie-like’ feeling about half-way through my shift. Not sure if that will ever change.
Your mind plays some really crazy tricks on you when you’re tired.
I am still amazed at how some people can do this as their full time job.
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Steve said
Diana, I have spent a good chunk of my career on nights, too. Sometimes you do what you have to do. I remember working 6 night shifts a week doing high-tech homecare for vented kids when I lived in Chicago years ago. The good news was, I was able to save enough money that we were able to buy our house in Minneapolis and tidy up some bills. I don't know if you are married or not, but, to be blunt, I did reach a point in my life where being able to sleep with my wife on a more regular basis meant more than any $$. I found straght nights worked the best for me-that day/night stuff just pounded me too much.
Steve said
Diana, I have spent a good chunk of my career on nights, too. Sometimes you do what you have to do. I remember working 6 night shifts a week doing high-tech homecare for vented kids when I lived in Chicago years ago. The good news was, I was able to save enough money that we were able to buy our house in Minneapolis and tidy up some bills. I don't know if you are married or not, but, to be blunt, I did reach a point in my life where being able to sleep with my wife on a more regular basis meant more than any $$. I found straght nights worked the best for me-that day/night stuff just pounded me too much.
bethenextstep said
you and many others I have worked with. An amazing sacrifice. *high five*
Diana Fuller said
I have worked nights for 10 years, and I have passed up three day shift positions. On nights, I can see my kids and have the extra $$ to cover the bills. I understand that I must work nights for now and therefore I have moved on and coped. Night shift survival is a mind set more than an ability.
bthenextstep said
RE: @DianaRN you and many others I have worked with. An amazing sacrifice. *high five* http://disq.us/264mo
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bethenextstep said
I did the same thing! I woke up starving.
bthenextstep said
RE: I did the same thing! I woke up starving. http://disq.us/25xvs
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Caroline said
I just finished 2 weeks on nights. I definitely hit a “witching hour” at 1am and 4am, pretty much on the button. Also had a hard to eating after midnight, so I would go home, go to bed, and wake up with a ridiculous protein craving having not eaten for 15 hours. But it CAN be done, right? Go, us! :::high five:::
bethenextstep said
Yes. I whole-heartedly agree. I just have a hard time performing the 'trick'!! LOL
atyourcervix said
The key is getting enough sleep before going in, and tricking your body into thinking that it's morning when you get up to go to work. Hard to do when you first start out working nights!
bthenextstep said
RE: Yes. I whole-heartedly agree. I just have a hard time performing the ‘trick’!! LOL http://disq.us/210iv
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
bthenextstep said
New Blog Post Thoughts From The Night Shift: So I survived my first ‘rotation’ on the night.. http://bit.ly/cILfo
This comment was originally posted on Twitter