Well-being on night shifts: top tips for students

Working nights can be daunting, especially as part of a placement. Preparing well can help protect your mind, body and circadian rhythm before, during and after your shift
As nursing students, each time we start a new clinical placement we are expected to quickly master new protocols and procedures, get to know new colleagues and patients, and familiarise ourselves with new – often highly stressful – clinical environments.
This can be emotionally challenging and physically exhausting, with irregular shift patterns, particularly night shifts, often adding to the stress.
Potential health and well-being issues when working shifts
Shift work in healthcare is necessary so that we can provide round-the-clock care for patients, and while exposure to a range of shift
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