Are headaches a contrainidcation for 12 hour shifts?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 29, 2013

You do realize that if you were to pursue that and the hospital took it seriously, you pretty much shot your acute-care nursing career there in the foot? They may say, "sure, no 12s for you since you have a doctor's note..." but what are they going to do with you? If they don't already have the option of 8-hour shifts, I doubt they'll make one just for you because then they need to make another 8-hour shift--or get someone to work 16 hours--to cover the 4 hours you're not working.

And I don't think headaches is going to qualify you for the ADA. It'd probably be easier for them to let you go.

Sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear.

I doubt it's the 12 hour shifts that are the primary cause of your headaches--they're just exacerbating them. Get thee to your PCP to get it evaluated, as we can not offer medical advice here per the TOS.

Best of luck.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 29, 2013

Please be mindful of giving medical advice. Being supportive is of course encouraged, but suggesting medications crosses the line. Thanks.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2013

Are you getting migraines or headaches?

I understand how taxing 12s can be. I was horrible at doing the things a normal human needs to do to survive during my 12s: eating, drinking, peeing, etc. The only thing I really had down was breathing. I used to get headaches too, and when I evaluated my "lifestyle" habits at work, I figured out why really quickly!

However, if you are having migraines, PLEASE see your PCM! My fiancé has been plagued with them since he was a little boy and still deals with them on a weekly basis. Someone above mentioned FMLA for migraines. If it really is a migraine, there are options to help you if/when you do get migraines and are unable to work.

We as nurses are great at taking care of others. Unfortunately, that often means we neglect to take care of ourselves. Please don't let that happen to you!

Larry77, RN · Oct 29, 2013

And now I remember why I don't usually read "General Nursing" page. Sad thread.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2013

Another little-credited cause of headache is trapezius strain-- it attaches to the back of your head and communicates with other muscles under your scalp. You don't necessarily have to have accompanying neck pain. See if a PT can give you some advice, or see if the OT can take a look at how you sit at a work station or stand at a computer station. I have had patients whose headaches went away with some simple adjustments.

wooh, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2013

Going to work raises my blood pressure. Perhaps I can get out of going to work alltogether.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Oct 29, 2013

Lol but seriously, every time I work 12 hours I get a terrible headache. I was wondering if there is any way for me to be excused from them by getting a doctors note. I stay hydrated, eat well, but still get one and don't know why

They'll just reappear d/t the nasty glares you'll get from coworkers who are doing the 12's...

studentnurse9806 · Oct 29, 2013

Going to work raises my blood pressure. Perhaps I can get out of going to work alltogether.

I'm not trying to get out of work. I work full time and was just simply wondering if A doctors note would help me gain more 8 hr shifts as opposed to twelves. Anyways, the headaches I get are severe and affect my ability to concentrate. This is not a minor issue as some have implied. I have had lab work done and everything came back negative. I will be scheduling another visit with my pcp . Thanks everyone for the advice.

Nola009 · Oct 30, 2013

All kinds of strange, benign maladies can present themselves during one's clinicals. Hey, it's stressful! I used to break out in hives all over my neck and chest during the clinicals of my last semester of nursing school. I just don't think you will be allowed to bend the rules in nursing school. Nursing school supposedly exists to toughen you up for the real (hard, rough) world of nursing. If you can only do 8 hr. shifts or less, you will be looking at working in LTC. Requesting shorter shifts might cause your nursing dean to deem you physically unable to withstand going through the program (or not), just be warned.

hikernurse · Oct 30, 2013

Another little-credited cause of headache is trapezius strain-- it attaches to the back of your head and communicates with other muscles under your scalp. You don't necessarily have to have accompanying neck pain. See if a PT can give you some advice, or see if the OT can take a look at how you sit at a work station or stand at a computer station. I have had patients whose headaches went away with some simple adjustments.

Wow, thanks GrnTea! This info was helpful to at least one of us :). Off to research this...

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2013

I used to get horrible headaches which originated at the back of my head at the top cervical vertebra. Terrible, awful headaches. I was told they were "tension headaches." Only 12 hour shifts available at my hospital. Bringing a doctor's note would have gotten me no where. What, they were going to have to call someone in for a 4 hour shift every time I worked? Uh, no.

There are many facilities which work on 8 hour shifts. The OP needs to look around for one of those places, because her work environment will not be good if she tries to get accommodations in an environment that is not set up for 8 hour shifts.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Oct 31, 2013

Lol but seriously, every time I work 12 hours I get a terrible headache. I was wondering if there is any way for me to be excused from them by getting a doctors note. I stay hydrated, eat well, but still get one and don't know why

Twelve hour shifts are a foundation of hospital nursing. I'm not sure why you'd want to be excused from them. You really limit your options.

If you're getting headaches for no reason that you can think of, you need to consult your primary care provider and find out why. Good luck!