If you value premium pay, VIP parking, ample free time during the day and autonomy in your role as manager of care for your patients, you just might want to consider working the nightshift. Working nights has many perks and benefits, but of course there are some substantial downsides to consider. I have worked as a night shifter for almost a decade with no current intent on switching to day shift or evening shift. Night Shift can be the best thing for some nurses while others might find that the nocturnal life offers more struggles than its worth. If you are on the fence about whether to try your hand at working as a night shift nurse, you need to read this article until the end.
The night shift is the shift that takes place during the night hours, typically from around 7 pm to 7 am. For hospitals and facilities that offer 8 hour shifts, the night shift usually starts around 11 PM and ends around 7:30 AM.
Benefits of Night Shift for Nurses
Less crowded work environment.
One of the biggest benefits of working the night shift as a nurse is that the hospital is generally less crowded. There are typically fewer patients and less family members and ancillary staff members, which can lead to a calmer work environment. Less interruptions to your workflow can allow for you to provide more efficient and focused care.
VIP Parking.
Another benefit of working as a night shift nurse is that the parking garage is nearly empty when you arrive. There are no outpatient appointments at night and visiting hours have already ended for the day. When you get to work you will not have to worry about the hassle of hunting for a decent parking space or valeting your vehicle.
Better work-life balance.
Working the night shift can provide a better work-life balance. Night nurses can be available for their children’s school functions or other daytime events without having to take time off work. Need to drop off an amazon package before UPS closes for the day? No problem! You can run all of your errands, schedule your appointments and get that gym time in all before you take your pre-work nap.
More time to focus on patient care.
With a less crowded work environment and fewer distractions, night shift nurses can focus more on patient care. There may be fewer interruptions from physicians, visitors, or other staff members, which can allow for more time to connect with and educate your patients.
During my personal experience of testing the waters of dayshift, I found that even a simple medication pass can take me substantially more time due to interruptions from doctors, physical therapists, family members and case managers popping in to get their own assessments done. If you value efficiency and less distractions, the night shift might be your flavor.
Higher pay.
Working the night shift can be hard on your mind and body in many ways. To compensate for the risks associated with shift work, working the night shift can many times come with higher pay. Many hospitals and facilities offer shift differentials to nurses who work the night shift or other non-traditional hours. Earning shift differentials can provide an opportunity for nurses to earn more money for the same amount of time worked as other shifts.
Opportunities for career advancement.
Working the night shift can provide opportunities for career advancement. Working nights means that the daytime could be free to work on other projects or tasks that might not be feasible during the dayshift. For example, I was able to go back to school and attend my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) classes in person and virtually during the day and then take a nap before working a night shift. Working the night shift actually helped me earn my BSN.
You can even build a business or run a side hustle during regular daytime business hours, and still work as a night shift nurse. This is a great strategy to bring in steady income to further support your other dreams and aspirations. Or, since there can be less hustle and bustle on the nightshift, you may be able to find a quiet corner to study or work on something during your down time. I have learned that several of my nightshift colleagues have alternate interests in various fields. The side hustles I have discovered my fellow night nurses were involved in include retail arbitrage, continuing education and certifications, real estate investing, stocks and crypto investing, collegiate nursing education, and more.
There are so many opportunities and benefits that come with being a night shift nurse. On the other hand, the night shift is not easy for everyone. There are quite a few challenges that come with working nights.
Challenges of Night Shift for Nurses
Disruption of circadian rhythm.
One of the biggest challenges of working the night shift is the disruption to your circadian rhythm. People are naturally wired to sleep at night and be awake during the day. Working at night can throw off your natural sleep patterns, and make it hard to get adequate rest during the day. If you know a night shift nurse or are a night shifter, you know that we can become quite obsessive over our sleep.
Difficulty maintaining relationships outside of work.
Working the night shift can make it difficult to maintain familial and friendly relationships. While the rest of the world is awake and going about their day, night shift nurses may be sleeping or working. A difficulty I face sometimes as a night shift nurse is when I try to show up to a get together or family function during the day and end up not feeling 100% or being too tired to truly enjoy myself. I have slept through a movie on a date with my significant other. I have been in a grumpy mood because I tried to participate in an outing when all my body wanted to do was go to bed in the middle of the day. Many normal people typically will perform outdoor tasks like yard work during the day, which can be frustrating when I have to nap for a night shift. The worst part of being so tired during the day, is that many times I have found myself feeling my most productive at 2 AM. Working nights can truly be a struggle in many ways.
Increased risk of health problems.
There seems to be an increased risk of weight gain and impaired glucose tolerance associated with working the night shift according to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Sleep disruption can lead to fatigue, which can impact performance on the job, increase the risk of errors, or potentially result in a fender bender along your work commute. In addition, another study published by the National Library of Medicine has shown that night shift work can possibly increase the risk of metabolic syndrome–glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Subsequently, metabolic syndrome can place night shifters at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
To be completely honest, I do find that sleep and weight gain are persistent challenges I have faced as a night shift nurse. Night Shift nurses have to be proactive about their health to avoid the negative health effects associated with working during unnatural hours.
Difficulty in finding childcare.
For those with kids, finding adequate childcare during the day can be a challenge when working the night shift. This can be particularly difficult for single parents or those without a support system to help with childcare. Many times, night shift nurses have to alternate the nights they work with their spouse’s schedule or enlist the assistance of trusted friends or family to make things work.
Coping Strategies for Night Shift Nurses
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
Some say that a very important coping strategy for night shift nurses is to try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. This means striving to sleep and wake up at the same time every day; the same goes for your days off. Sleeping at a consistent time on the nights you work and having a consistent sleep schedule for the nights you are off, can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your overall sleep quality.
If you have trouble sleeping during the day you may be able to employ the use of black out curtains, a sleep mask, a fan or white noise machine, ear plugs, a kind reminder note for your bedroom or front door, and some lavender scent.
Incorporating exercise and healthy habits into daily routine.
Regular exercise and healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can also help alleviate some of the negative effects of working the night shift. Exercise can help boost energy levels and improve mood, while a healthy diet and hydration can help prevent fatigue and dehydration. Naps can also play a positive role in coping with the fatigue and negative effects that may come with working nights. Engaging in a regular physical activity routine, napping, and making healthy choices during meal times can help you maintain your overall physical health and avoid putting on weight that can be prevalent with a night shift schedule.
If you want to learn more about how to take the best nap to help you survive your nightshift, read my other blog post by clicking the button below!
Seeking support from friends and family.
It’s important for night shift nurses to have a support system to help them cope with the challenges of working the night shift. This can include friends, family, or coworkers who understand the demands of working at night and can provide emotional support. Communicate with your family the importance of uninterrupted sleep during your work nights. You can have a special do not disturb time of day, or even a sign that can go up to relay the times when you are not to be woken up unless in the case of an emergency. A family member or close friend might be able to help watch your children or pets so that you can feel less stressed and focus on resting.
Finding a community of night shift nurses.
Joining a community of other night shift nurses can also be helpful. This can provide a sense of camaraderie and support, as well as an opportunity to share coping strategies and tips for managing the night shift. It can be comforting to bond with other night shift nurses who know your struggle points and can empathize with the night shift nurse experience. You might even be able to find a Facebook group or Instagram page with members who support nurses who work nights.
Seeking professional help if necessary.
If a night shift nurse is struggling with the negative effects of working at night, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Seeking help may include speaking with a therapist or counselor, or seeking medical treatment for any health problems that may arise. Ultimately, the night shift is not for everyone. It’s up for you to decide if the negative aspects of working nights are worth its positive attributes.
Final thoughts on working nights.
In conclusion, working the night shift as a nurse can come with both benefits and challenges. While the less crowded work environment and higher pay may be appealing, the disruption of the circadian rhythm and potential for social isolation can be difficult to manage. Working the night shift can place you at high risk for various health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. However, being proactive with your health, employing the right coping strategies, and having yourself a support system can make it possible to thrive as a night shift nurse. Whether you’re considering taking a night shift position or are already working the night shift, it’s important to prioritize self-care and seek help if necessary. Let’s continue to support one another and provide quality care to our patients, no matter the hour of the day or night.
References
Karin I. Proper, Daniëlla van de Langenberg, Wendy Rodenburg, Roel C.H. Vermeulen, Allard J. van der Beek, Harry van Steeg, Linda W.M. van Kerkhof, The Relationship Between Shift Work and Metabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 50, Issue 5, 2016, Pages e147-e157, ISSN 0749-3797, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2015.11.013. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379715007606)
Cheng, W. J., Liu, C. S., Hu, K. C., Cheng, Y. F., Karhula, K., & Härmä, M. (2021). Night shift work and the risk of metabolic syndrome: Findings from an 8-year hospital cohort. PloS one, 16(12), e0261349. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261349
