NOC is an abbreviation for nocturnal. The word nocturnal means night. Thus, a NOC shift requires an employee to work overnight. A NOC shift might also be referred to as the third shift, graveyard shift or midnight shift. The term NOC shift is used in nursing or at hospitals. While adjusting to the night shift might seem difficult but with time and the right schedule; you might fit into it. At the end of the day, it comes down to one question: Is a night shift professional life suitable for you?
The NOC shift hours might vary from place to place. It mostly depends on the employer. A NOC shift might start anytime between 10:00 PM to 12:00 AM and might end around 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, early in the morning. You are expected to work for around eight hours with a 30 minutes break. Before you agree to a NOC shift, you are required to ask your employer regarding the work-time you are expected to stick to.
Even though the NOC shift sounds tedious, many health professionals seem to prefer this schedule. We discuss all that you need to know about a NOC shift before you step into it.
Comparing Day Shift and NOC Shift
Usually, the health care providers give their employees a choice to choose the shift according to their convenience. You might need to contact your unit in charge to fit you in the schedule planner. It might not be a clear choice for everyone as each shift has its own perks. A night shift allows you to attend to the chores you might need to carry out during the daytime. As a health care professional, you get to focus on your work without getting disturbed once in a while. But getting sleep becomes an important concern for those working midnight hours. You might end up being irritable and it ends up tensing up your personal life. Your schedule is supposed to go well with your family and other priorities. It is advisable to keep them in mind while making a decision.
The nurse shifts might look like
Day Shift also called the First Shift: 6 AM to 2 PM or 7 AM to 3 PM
Evening Shift or, the Second Shift: 2 PM to 10 PM or 3 PM to 11 PM
Night Shift also called the Third Shift: 10 PM to 6:00 AM or 11 PM to 7 AM
These might not be the exact timings in every hospital but the shifts revolve somewhere close to these timings. Most of the hospitals do offer more money to work a NOC shift than they do for a day shift even though the working hours are the same.
Advantages of NOC Shift
- Peaceful Working Environment: The cities run slower after midnight. You get time off from the daily rush of the cities and can invest them in practicing on your skill. You are unlikely to be disturbed by frequent calls while on a night shift. If you drive to work, you are going to find less traffic. Along with reducing the frustration, it also helps save the fuel.
- Higher Payment Scale: To attract the candidates who need a few extra bucks, the employer does offer more money for the same shift hours. It is one of the major reasons why people prefer a NOC schedule.
- More Time for Chores: A NOC shift might help you take up another job on the sidelines. Also, the NOC shift will fit better to your schedule if you are a student.
Disadvantages of Working NOC shift
- Risk of HeartAttack: According to a study, night shift increases seven percent chances of a heartattack. The reason for this is not clear.
- Depression: A NOC shift has a negative impact on mental health.
- Disturbs Natural Sleep Rhythms: Changing the sleep cycle might result in different sorts of disorders in the body.
Tips for Working NOC Shift
- Stick to Schedule: Adapt to a night shift schedule even on your off days. This is a way to get your body acquainted with routine life. It is a good idea to cluster night shifts. If you get a rotation shift (a night shift and one day shift) it will result in reduced sleep hours and fatigue.
- Time Management: Make sure you manage your time to create a healthy schedule for yourself. Include self-care activities like yoga, exercise and meditation. Find time for your friends and loved ones.
- Sleep Hours: Avoid sleeping disorders by creating the right environment to promote sleep. Avoid light while sleeping during the day. Prioritize sleep; you would want to be in the right frame of mind while treating your patient.
- Eating Healthy: Studies say that change in shift work can result in metabolic problems so it is important to consume a balanced diet. Night shift workers might want to take Vitamin D supplements due to the reduction in exposure to sunlight. Staying hydrated will help you stay active.
- Limit Stress: Working in health care services is already stressful enough, added to it is the night shifts. The stress level must be in check. Keep a journal or meditate to introspect and reconnect with yourself. Try talking to friends and family members.
How to Remain Focused?
- Nap Time: A minimum 30 minutes nap before the shift begins will help a lot. You can also try getting few minutes of sleep while on the shift. Beware, you would not want to doze off.
- Small Snacking: Keep eating once in a while throughout your shift. Keep the portion size small, this will help your digestive system to stay active and also keep your energy levels high.
- Chatting: Engage yourself in a conversation with your colleagues. It would get rid of the sleepiness and, also be a way to lessen your stress level.
- Move: Sitting at one place will cause inactiveness. It would be wise to walk around once in a while, this helps in blood flow throughout the body.
- Cutoff Caffeine: While caffeine might seem to be the best idea to prevent sleepiness, taking whole loads of such drinks would affect your dietary needs. Also, consuming these drinks late at night would keep you awake even after your shift is over.
Knowing if Night Shift Works for You
- Physical Ability: It might be difficult, but it is possible to adjust your body clock to a NOC shift schedule. However, you should be sure that your body is free of health conditions which can be triggered due to this. Some such conditions are heart diseases, high blood pressure, and blood sugar. Consult a doctor if you consider working night shift for a long time.
- Personal Life: Every person has different obligations. If your personal life demands you to be available at night, then taking up a NOC shift might not be a good idea. But if you prefer working in a peaceful environment, then the night shift might fit in well for you. You know yourself the best; personal life and choices are important factors.
- Means to Work at Night: You might not be able to avail public transport late at night. Thus, before choosing a night shift make sure you have your own mode of transport. Try settling on a car pool arrangement with your colleagues.
NOC shift sure does sound tough to conquer but by keeping yourself healthy, you will be able to adapt to it. At first, it might seem challenging. Finding someone who has worked on such shifts and discussing it might help you make a decision. You can always consult your doctor if you face any problems; some apps might also help you to manage your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do NOC shift gets paid more?
The Fair Labor Standard Act doesn’t have any such provision for a higher pay scale of night shift nurses. Yet some employers pay their night shift nurses more to attract candidates to work such shifts.
- Should you stay up the day before the night shift?
Sleeping in the daytime before a night shift is a good idea. Some people also claim that not sleeping the night before a night shift for the first time helps the body settle itself into a routine.
- What is the best night shift schedule for nurses?
If you can accommodate, a twelve-hour schedule might be fitting in many ways. It also the body to settle into work mode during the shift. A two to three days cycle will give you more time off which you can spend with your family or friends.
- What are the reasons to opt for a night schedule?
A night schedule offers better pay. It gives you a calmer environment with fewer disturbances. Traveling to work for a night schedule is easier as there is less traffic. There might be lesser competition for the job and it might get you more fun colleagues.
- Is the evening shift better or the night shift?
An evening shift means you get to work at least half of your work hours before midnight. A night shift means you work half of your work hours in between midnight and 8 AM. Choosing a shift depends on the person’s personal preferences.
