How do you reward yourself after a tough shift?

1. 0 Just for fun. Do you ever reward yourself after a tough shift, patient, patient load, weekend, night, etc?
   
   I like to get Starbucks on the way home. It's about once every two weeks but when I start to feel frazzled after a round of admissions on night shift it gives me something to look forward to.

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2. 58 Comments

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3. 
   #1 6

   Apr 7, '13 by coco317

   On exceptionally bad nights or to celebrate a birthday or someone's last shift we will go to the bar after work for a drink. The bar is packed with hospital workers every time we've gone. I've only been 3 times in about 1.5 years but its soo much fun. Nothing tastes better than a beer at 8am
   
   Or we will go out to breakfast and just get so slap happy cause we are so tired. We always tip extra well cause we are so loud and obnoxious laughing the whole time and telling gross work stories. Haha
4. 
   #2 2

   Apr 7, '13 by WeepingAngel, ADN, RN, EMT-B

   Yesss! We always talk about going out for breakfast & drinks on nights but then by the time we all get done giving report most of us have gone our separate ways and are ready for shower and sleep.
5. 
   #3 8

   Apr 7, '13 by beeker

   A hot shower, my bed, and the fan on.
6. 
   #4 3

   Apr 7, '13 by Tait

   Breakfast after a rough night shift. Starbucks for sure. Last day for the week and I have been know to get a nice pedicure too.
7. 
   #5 4

   Apr 7, '13 by dah doh

   On night shift, breakfast and beer. On day shift, Mexican food and margaritas!
8. 
   #6 4

   Apr 7, '13 by canesdukegirl, BSN

   A am so teed up after a difficult shift that I can't relax.
   
   When I get the first signs that it's going to be a rough day, I start thinking about what sort of wonderful dinner I can come up with. Then I make a list of all the ingredients I need, and make plans to go to the market on the way home.
   
   Cooking relaxes me, and thinking about munching on a perfectly baked flounder, or digging into a rich lasagne, or cutting into a perfectly roasted chicken keeps me in a positive mindset.
   
   I also get some of my angst out by gardening. It's so nice to plant little seedlings and watch them flourish!
   
   Thankfully, my hubby is also in the medical field, so it helps to vent over a chilled glass of Chard while sitting out in the English garden.
9. 
   #7 2

   Apr 7, '13 by KelRN215, BSN, RN

   Ice cream.
10. 
    #8 5

    Apr 7, '13 by marycarney

    SLEEP
11. 
    #9 2

    Apr 7, '13 by PediLove2147

    Days: I usually get in my PJs and catch up on my shows. If I have dessert available, even better.
    
    Nights: Sleep and lots of it.
12. 
    #10 0

    Apr 7, '13 by Blue Roses, ASN

    I like cooking a nice dinner for myself and watching tv while I fall asleep. If I get off on time, I like to go shopping!
13. 
    #11 4

    Apr 8, '13 by MN-Nurse

    Quote from WeepingAngel

    Just for fun. Do you ever reward yourself after a tough shift, patient, patient load, weekend, night, etc?

    I go home.
    
    On the way, sometimes I reflect on the fact that not too many people could get through what I just did and be ready to do it again tomorrow. I know the me that existed 10 or 15 years could not have done it.
    
    I think about how the experience made me better at my job, better able to help other patients and coworkers through similar times.
    
    I think about how much I like this job.
14. 
    #12 0

    Apr 8, '13 by joanna73 Guide

    Lots of sleep, a hot bath, and food.
    
    I also enjoy cooking and planning my meals. Watching old movies is another de-stressor for me.

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