become violent. the pace the of the evening and, quite “I was ready for (that part of the often, save lives. job), but only because my husband is “(In ICU) you sometimes pretty a deputy,” she said. “Experiencing it is much have your whole shift with a patient,” she said. “Here, you have to very different.” triage, to determine who can wait and Night’s Watch you have to deal with police or ambuIn today’s economy, the days of a lance crews.” In fact, the presence of law enforce- single breadwinner have gone by the ment is a constant and reassuring pres- wayside. Increasingly, married couples both work, which can create serious ence at night in the ER. From crashes challenges — especially with children and drawing blood in suspected DWI in the picture. Working the night shift cases to unruly patients, the ER has more than its fair share of situations can complicate things further. From that sees hospital staff working closely finding time to run errands to the already monumental task that is being with law enforcement personnel. a mother, Abigail’s schedule impacts And, Abigail said, it’s an unfortuher life in a number of ways. nate truth that some patients come “I think it’s something people don’t to the ER solely to try to acquire prescription drugs, or are high on ille- always think about,” Abigail said. “When you work nights, almost everygal narcotics and then occasionally
thing is closed.” As a nurse, Abigail said she knows there are health-related complications with working at night as well. According to many health care professionals, people who work at night are at greater risk for various disorders, accidents and misfortunes, including increased likelihood of obesity; increased risk of cardiovascular disease; increased risk of gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation and stomach discomfort and a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents and work-related accidents, among other issues. Working on the back half of the day also presents it’s own unique challenges while on duty. For example, while the ER is always well stocked with medication, the hospital’s phar-