[Starling.]

This isn't a particularly serious issue, I was just hoping for a bit of reassurance and maybe some helpful tips!

I've just started a new job (as a care assistant), I've been doing the training course this week, but as of Monday I'll be working nights (three twelve hour shifts per week). As well as being nervous (read: terrified) about starting a new job, I'm a bit apprehensive about working nights. I never have before but I do know that having a good, stable routine is really, really helpful for me. Lack of sleep in particular can do horrible things to my mood and send me either up or down. I guess it's just a case of getting used to it but I think I might find it quite difficult.

Basically, please tell me it's going to be okay! :P

[Gingersnapsmom]

Oh--you will do great!! Is this a nursing facility or a hospital? I recently tried to get a job in the ER because it was nights (a dept. transfer for me, but the job was actually filled already). There are some great things about working nights: no family/visitors, no administration, and more pay (usually). I'm a night owl, but I wasn't always that way. I seem to have slowly stayed up later and later and slept later and later. Lots of people love working nights Good luck, sounds exciting!

[Truth in Ruin]

You'll be just fine . It sounds like it will be a good job!

[technigal]

I found the benefit of working nights was I was finally losing weight. I used ear plugs when I was sleeping during the day. If I didn't have a child I would love working nights and I am in accounting (not many night jobs).

[beloiseau]

You can do it! I did rotating days and nights, and then just nights for a while since the switching was so difficult.

It will take time to get a routine down, so you will be out of sorts with your sleep and schedule while you figure out what works best for you. It is actually kind of a different experience working nights, you're awake when you normally aren't and it's kind of surreal.

My best advice would be to make sure to try to take a nap before you go in. Bring healthy snacks, because it is so easy to start eating junk food and drinking pop to stay awake. I would never drink coffee after 3AM, because then I wouldn't be able to sleep when I got home around 8AM.

You can do it!!

[Starling.]

Thanks everyone I will bear all this in mind. It's good to hear that some of you have actually found night shift a positive experience!

Gingersnapsmom - it's in a care home, with elderly people, though I don't know which unit I'll be in (either dementia, nursing care or frail elderly). Apart from being really nervous, I am looking forward to it!

I'll let you know how it goes

[IndieVisible]

I prefer over nites! And my second choice would be nites. Less drama