Working a 12-hour night shift is a little different from working during the day. I’ve learned to bring things that help me stay hydrated, have something to eat when I get hungry, and make it through those long overnight hours. I don’t bring anything complicated. These are simply the things that actually come to work with me.
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Water Jug & Cure Electrolyte Mix
Hydration is one of the first things I think about before going to work. I bring my water jug along with Cure Electrolyte Drink Mix. I like Cure because it uses plant-based ingredients, and it’s an easy way for me to keep up with hydration during a long shift. My favorite flavor is Blood Orange
My Night-Shift Snacks
I snack quite a bit during night shift, especially when I need something to munch on while staying awake. Gummy snacks are usually my choice—Gummy Bears, Sour Patch Kids, and Life Savers are some of the ones I bring. They’re easy to pack, easy to grab, and they satisfy my sweet tooth during a long night.
What I Pack for Lunch
When I bring a full meal, I usually keep it pretty simple. Sometimes it’s homemade turkey chili with crackers. Other nights I’ll bring a pasta dish made with ground chicken or turkey, tuna with crackers, soup, or whatever I have prepared at home. And occasionally, there’s homemade adobo. That one definitely makes for a good night-shift meal.
Gel Pens Are a Must
Gel pens are a must for me. I use them constantly for hand-offs and writing patient report sheets. It seems like such a small thing, but when you’re writing throughout the shift, having a pen you actually like using makes a difference.
Phone & Charger
My phone and charger come with me every shift. A 12-hour shift is a long time, and the last thing I want is to realize halfway through the night that my phone is running out of battery.
Studying for My CPAN
If I happen to get some downtime during the night, I’ll use some of that time to study for my CPAN certification. I keep study materials available so I can review when the opportunity comes up.
The Bottom Line
None of this is fancy. It’s simply what works for me after years of working nursing shifts. Night shift can be long, so I like coming prepared—with plenty to drink, enough food and snacks, a good pen, my charger, and something productive to do if I happen to get a quiet moment.
And yes, there will probably be gummies somewhere in my bag.