8 Tips To Seamlessly Transition To Night Shift Nursing


Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »»
RN, BSN, MBA


Are you a nurse considering working the night shift? If working nights is new to you, I can tell you it takes some time to adjust. You may be wondering, "Can someone tell me how to seamlessly transition to night shift nursing?”

The transition to night shifts is easier for some nurses than for others. The type of schedule you are used to will determine how easy it is for you to adjust to your new schedule. I remember my first job as a night nurse, and in this article, I will share 8 tips to help you seamlessly transition to night shift nursing.



How to Seamlessly Transition to Night Shift Nursing?

(The following are the 8 tips to help you seamlessly transition to night shift nursing.)


TIP #1: Gradually Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

If you are preparing to transition to night shift nursing, one of the first things you should focus on is adjusting your sleep schedule. By gradually adjusting your sleep and wake times, you can make the transition less challenging.

One thing I found helpful when I was transitioning to night shift nursing was to go to bed a little later each night. As I extended my bedtime to a later time, it meant waking up later in the afternoon, which allowed me to get plenty of sleep but on a timeframe that matched my new work schedule.


TIP #2: Take Power Naps

Another thing that can be especially helpful when you begin to transition to night shift nursing is to take short power naps. Of course, you cannot be caught sleeping on the job, but if you have a 20- to 30-minute break, a 15-minute nap can do wonders for helping you adjust to the night shift. Just don’t forget to set your alarm so you are back to work on time!


TIP #3: Be Careful of Too Much Caffeine

I don’t know about you, but I love a good hot cup of coffee, especially when I am tired and need a pick-me-up. While there is nothing wrong with having a cup of coffee or tea or a soda, caffeine is a stimulant which can keep you awake when you need to sleep. Therefore, when you transition to night shift nursing, you should plan caffeine consumption strategically. Try to let your last caffeinated drink be at least a few hours before the end of your shift.


TIP #4: Use Blue Light Blockers

Most people are aware that blocking blue light is important for retinal protection and to prevent eyestrain. However, it is also important to note that blue light can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, which could negatively impact your sleep quality. A few things you can do to reduce the effects of blue light include wearing blue light-blocking glasses and installing screen filters on your tablet, phone, or computer to reduce the effects of blue light emissions.

Another thing I have found helpful is to avoid the use of electronic devices within a few hours of going to bed. This is especially important, as blue light emitting devices inhibit the release of melatonin which is a hormone that regulates sleep. I used to make calls and send texts and emails as close to the end of my shift as possible so I could turn my devices off in enough time to let my mind “rest” before going to sleep.


TIP #5: Nutrition is Important

No matter what shift you work, good nutrition is essential in promoting a healthy lifestyle. As you transition to night shift nursing, plan your meals so that you have protein-rich meals and include complex carbohydrates. Protein and complex carbohydrates provide a balance of nutrients and slowly release energy, which means you can sustain energy throughout your shift. Also, avoid greasy or heavy foods toward the end of your shift or near bedtime, as these may cause stomach discomfort and disrupt sleep.


TIP #6: Stay Well Hydrated

Proper hydration is an important part of maintaining good health. It is also essential for maintaining quality sleep. Dehydration leads to fatigue, so if you are not well-hydrated, you could be tired on the job. Dehydration can also lead to headaches, dry mouth, and snoring, which can disrupt healthy sleep patterns. Being well-hydrated helps your body function optimally during sleep and rest. Hydration promotes restoration of chemical balances in the body and restful sleep, which is crucial when you transition to night shift nursing.


TIP #7: Create an Atmosphere Conducive to Rest and Sleep

When I began the transition to night shift nursing, I soon realized it was up to me to create an environment where I could fall asleep easily and get restful sleep. At first, it was challenging for me because if the sun shone through a window or I heard something going on outside or in another part of the house, I would stay awake or get out of bed to see what was happening. The first step I took was to create a dark environment, which you can accomplish by using blackout curtains to block sunlight from coming into your room. You may find it helpful to wear noise-canceling headphones or to use earplugs. I personally like to play soft, sleep music and listen to it through my headphones when I want to fall asleep with fewer disturbances.


TIP #8: Establish a Consistent Routine

The most important tip to help you transition to night shift nursing is to establish a consistent routine. Avoid changing your sleep and wake schedule, even on your days off, unless it is truly necessary. I know it is not always possible, but one thing I tried to do was to schedule appointments for very early in the morning after my shift ended and before going to bed. The closer you can stick to your schedule, the easier it will be to adjust to working the night shift.



My Final Thoughts


If you are a nurse considering working the night shift, it is natural to wonder how to seamlessly transition to night shift nursing. While everyone adjusts to schedule changes differently, by following the 8 tips to help you seamlessly transition to night shift nursing that I shared in this article, you can make the change a little easier. Keep in mind that everyone adjusts differently to schedule changes. So, be patient and prioritize self-care throughout the process.



List Of Sources Used For This Article


1. “Reducing the Effects of Blue Light” (webmd.com)
2. “Self-Care for Nurses- 25 Proven Strategies to Take Better Care of Yourself” (nursingprocess.org)


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.