How to Cope with Shift Work

Shift work and being on-call is such a difficult thing that so many veterinary care providers deal with. Marie Holowaychuk, DVM, DACVECC, critical care specialist and veterinary wellness advocate for Critical Care Vet Consulting, talks about ways to better cope with shift work.

To stay awake during a night shift, caffeine is very important, but you should only be having two to four cups of coffee per shift. Don’t consume caffeine within 6 hours of going to bed, either. Exposure to natural sunlight, naps, hydrating during your shift, exercising before your shift and setting yourself up for a good night’s sleep during your shift can help you get through the rest of your work week.