As shift workers, nurses are faced with the unique challenge of working evening and night shifts.  The following statements reflect a typical nurse’s schedule:

·         A nurse may work 3 12N shifts, starting at 7p to 7a, in a week.

·         A nurse may have D/N rotating schedule which means he/she will work 2-3 weeks working 7a-7p, have a week off (sometimes less), then start a night schedule working 7p-7a.

·         A nurse may pick up a shift and work overtime, over 48 hours during a week, working a varied shift schedule.

·         A nurse may not have control over what shifts he/she is scheduled to work.

·         Typical schedules are as follows: 8 hour shifts, 10 hour shifts and 12 hour shifts, and/or a combination of all 3. 

The upcoming NurseTogether.com Community Chat, hosted by NurseTogether contributor Betsy Connolly of Circadian Age, Inc., is intended to provide nurses with solid information about understanding the circadian rhythm, raise awareness of sleep deprivation, offer tips on how to adjust to working shift work, and overall knowledge about the science of sleep. 

Due to work obligation or socioeconomic circumstances, most are not in a position to make a change in his/her schedule, but by being informed, nurses can make small changes and raise awareness for the betterment of all. 

Everyone is invited to participate and add questions during the online instant chat.  Below are a few questions that will be addressed during our hour long chat with Betsy Connolly, Founder of Circadian Age, Inc.  

1.    “Can you explain what circadian rhythm is?”

2.     “How long does it take for your circadian rhythm to get adjusted to working nights?”

3.     “I am switching from working days to working nights, any tips on getting my mind and body used to it before hand?”

4.     “Is Ambien or some other sleep aid safe to use to get your body used to sleeping during the day?”

5.     “Can you share a few tips for sleeping during the day?”

6.     “If I work 6p-6a, when is the best time to work out?”

7.     “Is there a particular time frame when your body is naturally the sleepiest?”  

8.     “What have others done to fight off the sleepies when working the 12N shift, aside from injecting coffee into your vein?”

9.     “Any suggestions for winding down in the morning?”

10.  “How many hours do most nurses working nights sleep during the day?”

11.  “What is a typical sleeping schedule of someone who works 12N?” 

For more information about this NurseTogether.com online event, click on “Challenges of Working the 12N Shift”. 

Circadian Age, Inc. – ‘Working Nights’ – specializes in shift work and in the circadian rhythm and biological clock challenges that shift workers face. Working Nights is committed to helping managers and employees working shift work improve work/life balance.  For nearly 25 years, Working Nights has helped improve employees’ readiness for work and expand their knowledge of ways to minimize health and safety issues within shift work environments. 

Click here for more on information Circadian Age, Inc.