Working long Night Shifts can be an exhausting experience for medical practitioners in the UK. Whether you are an NHS doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional working throughout the Night Shifts can affect your physical and mental well-being. However, there are some ways to help pull off long night shifts and ensure you stay productive and alert throughout the night.
Sharing her tips on the effectiveness of practices, Dr Dania Al-Tamimi gave suggestions on pulling off long Night Shifts at our recently launched Mylocum Healthcare Summit, ‘Trust Me, I work in the NHS’.
In this blog, we will discuss the best measures to opt for as a medical practitioner in the UK to offer quality care 24/7.
1. Get enough rest before your shift.
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a long Night Shifts is to get enough rest beforehand. Ensure you have a good night’s sleep the night before, and avoid caffeine or other stimulants that could interfere with your sleep schedule. It’s good to adjust your sleep schedule a few days prior. So your body is prepared to stay up all night.
2. Stay hydrated.
Drinking water throughout the night shifts is essential to stay alert and focused. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms that interfere with your ability to provide excellent patient care. Be sure to drink water and other fluids throughout the night to stay hydrated.
During her talk, Dr Dania said, ‘You’re going to need water or some type of drink. I don’t recommend energy drinks or even coffee on Night Shifts because I feel like you get that spike of energy, and then you sort of start phasing out and feeling flat. Just stay hydrated and drink loads and loads of water on night shifts. I would usually have teal coffee before the Night Shifts, maybe around six, but very rarely on the shift itself.’
3. Eat Well
As a medical practitioner, eating well during a long Night Shifts is essential for optimal physical and cognitive functioning.
Suggesting the favourable food items, Dr Tamimi mentioned, ‘In terms of my top tips about the type of food you should eat, including nuts, fruits, veggies, protein, and carbs. So a full range of foods to help you boost your energy throughout your shift. Also, snacks like cereal bars or chocolate bars to keep with the energy are way better than a caffeine boost.’
4. Track your efficiency.
It is good to see how productive you are during your shifts. If you are unable to do your best, communicate with your peers. Adjust your schedule the right way that suits you better.
Dr Tamimi said, ‘Ensure that you pace yourself throughout the night. So when you’re on the medical take, you’ll see new patients coming. Track your time and how many patients you can see within those time limits. If you cannot keep on top of your work, definitely escalate it. There are always people around that you can get help from, for example, registrars or senior SHOs if you’re an F1 or an F2.’
5. Keep moving.
Sitting for long periods can make you feel more tired and sluggish. Try to move around as much as possible during your shift. Take a quick walk around the ward or stretch your legs during breaks. These simple movements can help keep you alert and focused.
6. Use caffeine wisely.
Caffeine can be a tool to help you stay awake during a long Night Shifts, but it’s crucial to use it wisely. Drinking too much caffeine can interfere with your sleep schedule and lead to anxiety and other side effects. Instead, try to limit your caffeine intake to the beginning of your shift and avoid consuming any caffeine in the hours leading up to the end of your shift.
7. Take breaks.
Taking short breaks throughout the night can help you recharge and stay focused. Use your break time to eat a healthy snack, sleep, or meditate. Even a short break can help you feel more refreshed and alert.
Dr Tamimi shared, ‘ Setting an alarm is important if you can sleep during your break. Also, make sure that your bleep is near you and you are still accessible if you are going to have a nap because you’re expected to answer your bleeps even if you do have a couple of minutes or half an hour to an hour where you can just shut off and sleep.’
8. Support each other.
Working long night shifts can be challenging, but having a supportive team can make a big difference. Ensure to communicate with your colleagues and support each other throughout the night. Checking in on each other and sharing the workload can help you all stay productive and focused.
While sharing one of her top tips, Dr Dania said, ‘ It’s super important to manage your time well because it can be quite fast-paced. Ultimately we form some WhatsApp groups during the night so we can have immediate contact with all of our team members, and you can do that too.’
Wish to know more about Dr Tamimi’s talk? Head to the link to immerse yourself in the sea of valuable learnings.
In conclusion, pulling off long night shifts as NHS doctors, nurses, or healthcare assistants in the UK requires preparation, hydration, movement, wise caffeine use, taking breaks, and supporting each other. By following these tips, you can stay alert and focused throughout the night and provide excellent patient care. Remember to prioritise self-care and get enough rest after the shift to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
FAQs
1.When does FY2 start?
FY2 starts in August, and if you fulfil the eligibility criteria, you can enrol in the programme.
2. How to get FY2 jobs?
Several sites like Indeed, Job today, and CV library can help with reliable FY2 jobs. However, if you wish to have a personalised experience finding the right job, feel free to register with Mylocum today.
3. Can FY2 write a private prescription?
FY2 doctors may fill private prescriptions if they follow the GMC guidelines and APS limitations.
You can go visit our website and you can go to the CV-Library to find more job opportunities for All Healthcare Workers.
