Here are 5 reasons to work overnights by Ruth McDevitt, DVM. She has worked overnight shifts for more than a decade.

1. The medicine is often more interesting, and the cases tend to be more emergent.

2. Owners are typically more focused and can make decisions more readily.

3. There are less distractions at night, allowing you to focus solely on the animals, their people and the medicine.

4. There is generally a lull in the night which creates the best opportunities for talking over cases, learning new skills or procedures, and taking time to review information. Overnights are where I can take my time talking a technician through a new skill and discuss the whys and the consequences of the procedure or medication.

5. You are truly making a difference. There are often no other options at night for the owner or the patient to get help. You are essential in providing them information and care and you really have an opportunity to improve their condition. It is rewarding and makes the late nights worth it.

And a bonus: the overnight staff are always the most fun!