The common responsibility of nurses are promoting safety and high quality of nursing care. They are the patient’ s advocate and last line of protection against harm. One of the most challenging thing to do in life is to stay awake, be alert, and oriented overnight. This is one of the major factor why a significant number of individuals prefer not to work the night shift or “graveyard shift”.
Advantages of Working Night Shift
During off business hours, there are less traffic and visitors on the bedside. Patients are asleep and less needy. The presence of inspectors and multiple stake holders on the units are significantly reduced. It is easier to get a job offer and decent base salary if you do the night shift. Not to forget the attractive additional night differential pay. Some employers offer a night differential ranging from $4 to $20 per hour added to the employees base pay.
Multiple and various factors that discourage nurses from taking night duties are the radical impact of night shift work on physical health and personal life.
Health Risks Associated with Nighttime Nursing
Night shift workers often developed an elevated health risks such as migraines, diabetes, and insomnia. Many nurses take medicine such as Benadryl, Melatonin, and other sleeping pills to get a proper sleep during the day.
Working continuous night shifts can lead to mood changes, including irritability and depression. These changes can lead to divorce and broken family relationship. The toll of sleep deprivation on physical vitality such as constant fatigue and detrimental effects on libido. Taking herbal supplements can reduced these radical changes https://amzn.to/3vcUjag.
Another Casualty of Night Shifts: Social and Career Life
The impact of night shift work on nurses’ social life and relationships are devastating at times. People becomes grumpy, irritable, and moody. Another concern is the challenge of pursuing live education and career development opportunities while working night shifts. Many night staff states that they missed these opportunities because they are exhausted and really need to sleep upon completion of their shift. The feelings of isolation brought about by the unconventional working hours and its psychological impacts slowly creates unpleasant mental weakness to some individuals.
Staying Safe and Balanced: Conquering Night Shift Challenges
There are safety issues associated with night shift work, such as risks during commuting. Multiple cases reported, drivers fell asleep while driving resulting into lost of life or lifetime disability.
Some proven methods to counteract the after effects of night shifts is to get a quick recovery and re-energizing strategies. Power nap before you drive. Taking a ten minutes nap is a game changer. Also, observe yourself if you are capable of driving.
Night shift workers must find a balance on how to mitigate the negative effects of graveyard shifts and maintain overall well-being. Examples are taking herbal supplements https://amzn.to/3vcUjag, attending regular yoga exercise, regular vacation from work, healthy diet, massage, and other recreational diversion or hobbies. Painting, writing, singing, and dancing are some of the common diversions.
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