How to strive and thrive on alternate work schedules

From more time spent with your family during the day to running errands without the crowds, there are a lot of advantages to working nights and weekends. We asked some of our Northwell Health team members who work shifts other than days about how they make the most of their alternate schedules.

Their tips? Technology, helpful neighbors and flexible spouses are just some of the things helping our team members manage their social lives and family time, including childcare.

Anacleto Bristol
Ward Clerk, Emergency Services, Plainview Hospital
“I let [friends] know my time constraints and I reconcile my calendar with them. My phone’s calendar app is invaluable for this. I color code it with colors for work, night/social life and ‘me time.’”

Lucy Grant
Administrative Supervisor, Northern Westchester Hospital
“I have been doing this for 29 years. When the kids were young, my husband was there. I also was lucky enough to have a neighbor who babysat.”

When it comes to adjusting to a new shift, getting adequate sleep and shifting from work to family/social time and back, our team members suggested blackout curtains, preparing meals ahead of time and being organized about scheduling. Here are their tips and tricks for staying healthy:

Patrick Wang
ED Technician, Emergency Department, LIJ Medical Center
“Power nap on your breaks. Keep in touch with your friends and family but understand that you also need time to yourself to decompress. Everyone needs some alone time to ease their mind.”

Caitlin Vega
Registered Nurse, Brain Injury Unit, Glen Cove Hospital
“Avoid coffee after a certain time during the night and eat fruits instead. Work out, try to eat right and drink a lot of water.”

No matter what one’s work hours may be, balancing multiple priorities is a universal goal. We asked our shift workers how they make the most of their time off. Several said that doing chores and running errands when most people are at work frees up the rest of their time for what matters most: family, friends and healthy activities.

Amanda Zilnicki
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Peconic Bay Medical Center
“I sleep, clean, do yardwork, do homework, or go to the beach or gym. Great time because no one is home to bother you and public places aren’t as crowded.”

Natasha Vasquez
Registered Nurse, Labor & Delivery, Southside Hospital 
“I plan once a month group mommy dates and once a month date night with the hubby.”

Denise Walker
Supervisor, Patient Access Services, Emergency Department, Peconic Bay Medical Center
“I love riding my motorcycle, and during the day and during the week I get the most time in. When it’s a weekend, my husband and I will go for a ride and stop different places and enjoy the island. I also get the shopping done.”

Overall, we learned that our team members have impressive goals, are incredibly organized with their schedules, and are focused on healthy habits. With these helpful tips, they’re able to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle outside of their alternate work schedule.

Are you Made for delivering care on an alternate schedule? Apply today!