LIVEALITTLE

Just woke up from my first night shift. I enjoyed having my own 9 patient load, but I didn't have much time to interact with them because most of my shift was spent with them sleeping. Due to two failed attempts at a night shift during my nursing school clinicals, I was determined to be productive this time around. So the previous night, I stayed up as late as I could (0300) and woke up as late as I could (0930). Then I forced myself to take a nanna nap (1400-1630) before going to work (2100-0730). I was awake for the entire shift with no sleepiness seeping in, but I did lose alertness as the night progressed. My patient handover to the tape recorder was not as thorough as I had wanted and I forgot to sign off on medications twice. With the exception of the extra pay, I can't say I like night shift much. Afternoon shift is my favorite so far with more responsibilities and more patient contact.

I have another night today so to prepare for it, I went to sleep as soon as I got home (0800-1300). It wasn't a long sleep, but I just couldn't stomach a wasted sunny day. Let's see how I feel tonight. Stay tuned.