Let me back track and tell you more about how I started my nursing career. I am a relatively new nurse. I graduated from a 15 month Accelerated BSN program last March and I passed the NCLEX the next month. So, I've been an RN for about a year now. My first job was working days in an incredibly busy hospital OR. I really liked the job but several factors were pointing to me moving on after a few months. I wanted to work at the bedside with high acuity patients. When I applied for the job that I have now in the ICU I prayed & prayed. Well, I got hired!
As you might know, just because you are hired for nights does not mean that is when you do all of your orientation. My 3 month orientation took place on days, so last week was my first official week of night shift.
Night shift comes with a lot of fears. Fear of the unknown is a big one. Being a newer nurse, it's scary knowing that the majority of the hospital staff isn't there to help! Another big one: what if I need sleep?! I am a huge advocate for good sleep. Eight hours makes me happy & healthy! And we can't forget one of my biggest fears going into it was WHAT AM I GOING TO EAT?!!?
In terms of food, I knew if I didn't plan ahead, I'd fail. I decided to pack lots of little snacks to keep my blood sugar stable and my energy high. Here are some things I packed over the past week:
Night shift comes with a lot of fears. Fear of the unknown is a big one. Being a newer nurse, it's scary knowing that the majority of the hospital staff isn't there to help! Another big one: what if I need sleep?! I am a huge advocate for good sleep. Eight hours makes me happy & healthy! And we can't forget one of my biggest fears going into it was WHAT AM I GOING TO EAT?!!?
In terms of food, I knew if I didn't plan ahead, I'd fail. I decided to pack lots of little snacks to keep my blood sugar stable and my energy high. Here are some things I packed over the past week:
- Shakeology - Vegan Chocolate is my flavor of choice
- Fresh fruit - easy to munch on while charting
- String cheese - because cheese deserves its own food group
- Rasins - more munchies!
- Protein bars - again, easy, keeps you full
I also had my fair share of food screw ups during week one. Like that time we ordered pizza... that was bad. I paid for that one the next day when I felt like a bump on a log!!! But, we must forgive ourselves and move on.. right?!.... RIGHT?!!? ;)
I also made myself a nice little sleep schedule. I think that week two will bring lots of adjustments, many more fears, and many more successes! But then again, I am a nurse. Those things will happen every week for the rest of my career!
Nurses & fellow night shift workers, would you be so kinds as to post a night shift newbie tip for me below!?
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