Any NHS shift workers out there- can I cope with nights?

[Peachypips78]

Hi all. I am currently a B6 middle manager in the NHS (MH Trust) - non-clinical. I really miss patient-facing work and there is a job working on the First Response Team as a telecoach.

I know I would love the job- I've shadowed for a morning and before my current job I worked in an acute ward, so I can handle the distress.

My one worry is nights- I've never done them before and there is one week in six where I will be on three nights. I'm 42 and have two children aged 10 and 13.

Will I cope? Any advice?

Honestly any night shifts for me is just a massive no now.
I used to suffer with night terrors (during the day), upset tummies, nausea, and terrible anxiety. It doesn’t sound like much doing 3 in 6 weeks, but it will most likely wipe you out for the whole week.

I work a rolling shift pattern (though not NHS) with 2 nights every 10 days.

I find them ok but I am a good sleeper, and apart from still needing a lift to college DS is pretty much self sufficient if DH is not around.

Second what others have said though. I do absolutely zero between my 2 night shifts, and my first day off is not usually terribly productive. However the pattern I work means I can normally get haircuts, medical appointments, grocery shopping etc done in the week so not impacting on my rest days.