If you naturally feel more awake and productive at night, you could be a night owl who might be well-suited to an overnight healthcare job. With healthcare often operating around the clock, particularly in hospitals and care facilities, there are numerous roles available for those who prefer working the night shift.
In this article, we’ll explore eight night shift jobs in healthcare that could be a great match for those who prefer working in the evenings.
The pros and cons of night shift work in healthcare
Working night shifts in healthcare comes with its own set of advantages and challenges and it’s important to weigh both the benefits and drawbacks before deciding if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros of night shift work
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Higher pay
One of the most attractive benefits of night shift work in healthcare is the pay boost. For example, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman, a registered nurse with a master’s degree earns $35.97 an hour for an afternoon shift but $36.77 for the evening shift, about 2 per cent more.
On top of this, night shift nurses also receive night shift penalty rates, which can vary by state and territory. In Victoria, for instance, there’s a 15 per cent night shift penalty rate. This means that the total hourly pay for a night shift is $42.29, approximately $6 more than the base rate.
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Better flexibility
For many, night shifts offer the flexibility needed to balance work and personal life. Parents, for example, may find that working overnight gives them more time during the day to spend time with their kids and take care of personal responsibilities.
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Less commuting hassle
Night shift workers often enjoy a quicker, more stress-free commute. With fewer people on the road, traffic tends to be lighter, allowing for a faster journey. Public transport is also less crowded, making it easier to find a seat and travel comfortably.
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Fewer disruptions
While it depends on where you work, many night shift roles tend to be quieter than daytime shifts. For example, aged care facilities or general hospital wards may experience fewer interruptions overnight as patients are usually resting and there are no visitors or scheduled procedures. This means that you’ll have more time to focus on your tasks with minimal interruptions.
However, this isn’t always the case as emergency departments can often be just as busy, if not busier during overnight hours with an influx of urgent admissions, trauma cases or patients seeking care after-hours when other services are closed.
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Opportunities for learning and growth
Night shifts often come with more independence as there’s usually fewer staff around. With fewer hands on deck, night shift workers may find themselves taking on a wider range of responsibilities, presenting a great chance to gain valuable experience and develop new skills.
Cons of night shift work
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Sleep disruption
One of the most noticeable impacts of night shift work is on sleep. Since night shift workers have to sleep during the day, it disrupts the normal rising phase of the circadian rhythm and makes falling and staying asleep more difficult. This often leads to poor-quality rest and an increased likelihood of ongoing sleep deficits, which can affect both physical health and cognitive performance.
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Social isolation
Working overnight can hinder participation in social and family activities as one’s schedule often conflicts with the routines of friends and loved ones. This can eventually lead to feelings of social isolation, cause strain in personal relationships and affect your overall wellbeing.
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Health concerns
Working night shifts means operating against the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which can have long-term effects on one’s health. Research has shown that night shift work may increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity and gastrointestinal issues.
8 night shift jobs in healthcare
From nursing to counselling, here are eight night jobs in healthcare that could be a great fit for night owls.
1. Nurse
What do nurses do?
Nurses are essential healthcare professionals who provide care for people in a variety of settings. Some of their responsibilities include assessing and monitoring patient health, administering medicines, managing treatments and offering emotional support.
Salary
On average, night shift nurses in Australia earn more than their day shift counterparts due to penalty rates. While registered nurses typically earn between $85,000 to $90,000 annually, night shift nurses can earn an average of $100,000 annually.
How do night shifts differ from day shifts for nurses?
While this is highly dependent on which ward nurses are working in, some night shifts for nurses can be quieter, with fewer staff around and no families or visitors, leading to a generally calmer environment. In those instances, as there's also usually less management present, night nurses tend to have more autonomy when it comes to making decisions pertaining to patient care.
How to become a nurse?
To become a registered nurse, you’ll first need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree, which takes about three years before registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Upon registration, you can proceed to apply for nursing roles.
After a few years of experience, many nurses also choose to build on their existing skills by pursuing specialised courses such as a Graduate Certificate in Critical Care at the University of Technology Sydney or a Master of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice at James Cook University.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
2. Sleep technician
What do sleep technicians do?
Sleep technicians conduct diagnostic tests such as polysomnography, monitoring patients while they sleep to detect issues like sleep apnea, narcolepsy or insomnia. They track vital signs, brain waves and breathing patterns, ensuring accurate readings to assist doctors in diagnosing sleep disorders.
Salary
Sleep technicians make an average annual salary of about $92,000 a year.
How do night shifts differ from day shifts for sleep technicians?
Most sleep technicians typically work evening shifts as that’s when most patients undergo overnight sleep studies.
During these shifts, technicians set up the necessary equipment, monitor patients’ vitals and ensure they are comfortable throughout the night. On the other hand, daytime shifts, although less common, may involve setting up equipment for home sleep studies or conducting daytime sleep tests.
How to become a sleep technician?
To become a sleep technician, you will need to pursue an undergraduate degree in medical science, nursing or a related field and gain clinical experience in a sleep study setting before registering with the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
3. Radiographer
What do radiographers do?
Radiographers, also known as medical imaging technologists, are responsible for taking imaging scans of patients. Whether it’s a traumatic injury or a routine exam, radiographers operate imaging equipment such as X-ray machines or computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners and ensure high-quality images are captured.
Salary
In Australia, radiographers typically earn an average of between $85,000 to $105,000 annually. Radiographers who work the night shift, however, will usually earn more as they’re also entitled to penalty rates.
How do night shifts differ from day shifts for radiographers?
Most radiographers in night shifts typically work in hospitals and these shifts often focus on emergency situations such as trauma, urgent diagnostics or critical care imaging.
On the other hand, while this is highly dependent on where you work, day shifts can have a more predictable pace and involve more scheduled, routine procedures, especially if you’re working in a medical imaging clinic.
How to become a radiographer?
To become a radiographer, you’ll typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree in medical radiation science, medical imaging or a similar field and register with AHPRA under the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MPRBA). You must also obtain a radiation use licence before applying for jobs.
4. Aged care worker
What do aged care workers do?
Aged care workers assist residents with daily activities, including medication management, personal hygiene and mobility. They also follow care plans, provide companionship and monitor and report on residents’ physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Salary
The average annual salary of an aged care worker in Australia is between $65,000 to $70,000. Similar to night nurses, however, aged care workers that work the night shift receive a higher hourly rate and are entitled to penalty rates.
How do night shifts differ from day shifts for aged care workers?
Night shifts for aged care workers require a higher level of self-management and proactive care. While daytime shifts often involve helping patients with scheduled activities, night shifts focus on ensuring patients’ comfort and safety during hours of rest.
It’s not uncommon for night shift aged care workers to handle more emergencies, such as falls or sudden health issues, while also dealing with the emotional needs of patients who may feel more anxious or isolated at night.
How to become an aged care worker?
To become an aged care worker, you will need to obtain either a Certificate III in Individual Support or a Certificate IV in Ageing Support. Most workplaces will also require you to have a first aid certificate and national police clearance.
5. Pharmacist
What do pharmacists do?
Pharmacists prepare and dispense medications and offer advice on medication dosage and potential side effects and therapeutic effects. Pharmacists can also work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, community pharmacies and GP clinics.
Salary
Pharmacists in Australia make an average of between $90,000 to $110,000 a year. As per the pharmacy industry award, pharmacists that work the evening shift have a higher hourly rate and are also entitled to penalty rates.
How do night shifts differ from day shifts for pharmacists?
Pharmacists working the evening shift typically do so in hospitals. While the night shift is generally quieter compared to the busier day shifts, there are also fewer team members around, which means you’ll often find yourself as the go-to person for different departments.
Most night shift pharmacists require a solid amount of experience due to the level of independence needed but it can also be an excellent opportunity to learn and gain hands-on experience.
How to become a pharmacist?
To become a pharmacist, you’ll need to complete a Bachelor of Pharmacy before applying for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Thereafter, you will need to undertake an internship and supervised practice before passing the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s registration exam. Once you’re successful, you’ll then be eligible to apply for general registration and pharmacist roles.
6. Counsellor
What do counsellors do?
Counsellors provide emotional support and guidance to individuals dealing with personal, emotional or psychological challenges. They create a safe and confidential environment for clients to share their feelings and develop strategies for coping with issues like anxiety and depression.
Salary
A counsellor’s salary is typically between $95,000 to $105,000 annually. While explicit salary information for night shift counsellors isn’t widely available, it’s likely that they would be paid more due to penalty rates.
How do night shifts differ from day shifts for counsellors?
Most night shift counsellors typically work in telehealth roles or provide crisis counselling over the phone, which can differ significantly from counsellors who work during the day at private practices or clinic settings.
Overnight counsellors regularly manage high-risk calls involving a wide range of challenging situations, from complex life circumstances and mental health concerns to urgent crisis or emergency interventions. This role demands the ability to apply your clinical assessment and therapeutic expertise to meet the needs of those reaching out for support.
How to become a counsellor?
To become a counsellor, you can either start by pursuing a Diploma of Counselling or Bachelor of Counselling before becoming a registered counsellor with either the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Most counsellors also choose to pursue postgraduate education to sharpen their skills. Some courses for you to consider include a Graduate Diploma in Counselling at the University of Canberra or a Master of Counselling from Edith Cowan University.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
7. Laboratory assistant
What do laboratory assistants do?
Laboratory assistants collect, label and prepare patient samples such as blood, urine and tissue for testing. Additionally, they operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensure proper sanitation and sterilisation practices and accurately document test results.
Salary
Laboratory assistants make an average annual salary of $60,000 to $65,000 annually. While specific salary information for laboratory assistants working night shifts isn’t readily available, they typically receive higher compensation through penalty rates.
How do night shifts differ from day shifts for laboratory assistants?
On night shifts, laboratory assistants usually experience a lower overall workload compared to day shifts. However, because fewer team members are present during these hours, the pace can quickly become hectic during periods of high demand.
Working night shifts as a laboratory assistant does have its pros however, as it gives you the opportunity to sharpen your troubleshooting skills, encourages you to learn how to develop efficient workflows and teaches you to be resourceful under pressure.
How to become a laboratory assistant?
To become a laboratory assistant in Australia, you would need to either complete a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills or a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.
While the first will prepare you for entry-level jobs, the second offers comprehensive training in laboratory operations. You can also choose to further your education by completing a Diploma of Laboratory Technology or a Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine.
8. General practitioner
What do general practitioners do?
General practitioners (GPs) provide primary medical care to people of all ages. They diagnose and treat a broad range of health conditions, perform routine check-ups and prescribe medication. GPs also give health advice, conduct screenings and refer patients to specialists when necessary.
Salary
GPs in Australia get paid an annual salary of between $165,000 to $185,000. As per the medical practitioners award, Gps who work after-hours get paid more than those who work regular hours.
How do night shifts differ from day shifts for a general practitioner?
Some general practitioners typically don’t work traditional night shifts but instead provide after-hours care which can extend until around midnight in some cases. However, certain GPs do remain on-call 24 hours to handle urgent medical issues.
During these after-hour shifts, cases are often more serious or urgent. As a result, after-hours GPs play a crucial role in delivering immediate medical support during times of limited resources. Aside from handling these more pressing cases, the care and treatment provided remain consistent with daytime duties.
How to become a general practitioner?
To become a GP in Australia, you will need to start by completing a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine degree. Thereafter, you will need to complete an intern year in an accredited setting before registering with the Medical Board of Australia. Then, you will need to complete one to two more years of training as a resident before entering a specialist training program.
Once you’ve completed that program, you can become a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). To obtain GP fellowship, you must complete the Australian General Practice Training Program, which consists of an additional three years of GP training followed by an exam.
Tips for working the night shift
Night shifts can take a toll on your physical and mental health so it’s important to prioritise your wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you navigate the night shift and safeguard your overall health.
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Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
Prioritising a regular sleep routine is essential to avoid feeling sleep-deprived. Set your phone to “do not disturb” mode, limit screen time before bed and try to go to sleep and wake up around the same times each day. Consistency helps your body adapt more easily to night shifts.Tip: If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try listening to relaxing music, guided meditations or white noise to help quiet your mind.
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Create a sleep-friendly environment
To ensure you get six to eight hours of restful sleep, it’s important to make your sleeping area comfortable and quiet. Consider investing in blackout curtains, an eye mask or earplugs to minimise disruptions. You should also limit caffeine consumption, especially before bedtime.Tip: Keep your room cool, dark and quiet as optimising your sleep environment can significantly improve sleep quality.
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Plan healthy meals and stay hydrated
When you’re tired, it’s tempting to reach for unhealthy snacks that provide a quick boost but leave you feeling drained later. To avoid this, prepare nutritious meals in advance. Bulk cooking is especially helpful as you can store ready-made meals in the freezer for convenience. Hydration is also key so it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout your shift.Tip: Pack nutritious snacks like nuts, fruits or yoghurt to keep your energy stable and help you resist sugary temptations.
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Keep up regular exercise
Staying physically active helps manage stress, supports your mental health and keeps your energy levels steady. Regular exercise can make it easier to adapt to night shifts by promoting better sleep and improved mood.Tip: Schedule brief workouts or enjoyable physical activities like walking, cycling or yoga before your shift to boost your energy.
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Maintain your social connections
Working night shifts can sometimes make you feel isolated. Prioritise regular catch ups with friends, family or colleagues to maintain your social life and to avoid finding yourself completely withdrawn from others.Tip: Plan social activities in advance so you always have something to look forward to.
Pursue an overnight job in healthcare
Working an overnight job in healthcare offers distinct advantages such as higher pay and greater independence but it’s not for everyone so it’s important to carefully consider if this pathway is suitable for you.
If you’re considering a career in healthcare or are looking to move into an overnight healthcare role, we encourage you to explore the diverse courses offered by our university partners on GlobalHealth Education. Courses are offered in areas such as counselling, nursing and mental health. If you have any questions, simply select a course here and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.
Unsure of how to navigate your healthcare career or not sure of which course you should pursue? Book a free professional development strategy call with our Education Consultant.
