Any tips for working 3rd shift?

I'm going to be starting a new job at a nursing home. I will be an LPN working third shift. I have a 6yr old boy in kindergarten and he takes the bus to and from school. (I'm a single parent)He will sleep at my parents house while I'm at work 11pm to 7am. I'm just wondering if anyone has worked third shift and found tricks that work for them. Any good tips are appreciated.

I am not really sure what kind of tips you are looking for.
I have been working 3rd shift for about 12 years now, I would not trade back for anything.

As for sleeping the best thing I have found is to have some kind of background noise (TV, radio, fan) on during the day so every other daytime sound does not wake you up.

As for staying awake though out the shift the first week is the hardest. Don't rely on Caffeine to keep you awake you will have a bad crash when it wears off. The best way to stay awake is to stay busy, keep your mind active and move around to get the blood flowing.

As for your son, you could stay awake with him until he gets on the bus, and then get your 7-8 hours sleep while he is at school.

Hope this help

well there isn't much to it, you will have to get used to it, and sleep during the day. It will be tough, because that's not how our bodies are programmed. I would suggest some coffee before work but don't become addicted to caffeine like I have. You can sleep while your kid is in kindergarden and that should give you those 7 hours or 8 hours that you need.

from experience i work 4 twelve hour shifts a week from 8:00p.m. to 8:00 a.m. their's really no tricks, some people are just made for working night and some aren't.

I worked 3rd for about 3 years. It was good for me. It sounds like you will be there to get your son off to school. Go to bed as soon as he leaves (believe me, you will be able to sleep after working all night) Get up when he gets home. It works out great. I worked 3rd shift and went to night school part time. I liked it lots better than 1st shift, because I HATE getting up early in the morning! You are doing a great thing! Good luck to you