Professional Development for Night Shift Nurses

Abstract

This article examines the teaching-learning experiences of registered nurses who work exclusively at night. Various teaching strategies that are useful in advancing professional development activities for registered nurses who work at night are proposed. A literature review of nighttime learning opportunities and teaching strategies useful for nighttime education is presented. Findings indicate that nurses who work at night are motivated to learn, but have fewer opportunities and less access to programs than nurses who work during the day. These barriers can be reduced by enhancing nighttime education programs and using teaching methods appropriate to the night shift. An example of a successful cardiac arrest in-service offered during the nighttime hours is described.