how long do u get for lunch?

Nurses General Nursing

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When I worked in the er, we had a full hour. All staff; pcts, nurses, docs. When I worked in internal med we had 2hrs. The doc liked to leave and do pt rounds in other hospitals and rehab. When I worked in peds, we barely got 10 minutes. We still got 30 min taken out of our check though. I personally think its important to eat and refuel your body and mind. I know in reality it doesn't always work that way.

At our facility, we are suppose to get 1/2hr for lunch, and two 15 minute breaks. I have worked there for almost 2 years and have NEVER taken my breaks, and rarely do I get my lunch. Some of the nurses that I work with have never missed a lunch, and rarely miss their breaks. Most of the CNA's on our wing are clock watchers and the minute it is time for their break/lunch they are off that floor. Originally I thought it was just my time management skills needing perfection. Now I realize I just can't leave the floor if a pt. is needing toileting/meal trays need passing,a co-worker needs assistance with a pt. wound care needing done, meds to be passed, etc etc... you all know the routine.

I go home and think about the pt. and how lucky I am for not being in their situation, and really, how hard is it for me to give up 15 or 30 minutes to help make them more comfortable. If I'm having a trying day, I absolutely make the time to leave for a short break to regroup.

I've come to the conclusion some co-workers don't see the big picture and are only looking out for themselves, as long as they get their breaks/lunches they are happy. Some co-workers are real team players and realize they may need to miss a break/lunch once in a while, others will never sacrifice their time.

It's always a good idea to have some snack bars or other healthy quick snacks in your locker. I think many of us eat on the run and collapse once we get home. Bedside nurses probably get less breaks/lunches then clinic nurses who work with Dr's who take lunch breaks during the day, but I could be wrong there having never worked in a clinic.

This goes a long way to explaining why nurses are doormats in many places.

The bigger picture is that like any employee, nurses need breaks and food/fluids/and voiding to perform at high levels.

Would you expect your Pts to go 12 hours w/o food, water, or toileting?

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Lunch?? What's that?? LOL I usually manage a bite if I'm lucky but usually end up with my meal in the garbage when I realize I'm never going to get to get that second bite.

When I was working I only got 30 minutes. It was to the point I lost the function of chewing food and being able to rtaste what I was eating. I just took one big gulp and used water to wash it down. Thank goodness I never choked.

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Specializes in Tele, Home Health, MICU, CTICU, LTC.

Well, they take 30 minutes out of every day that I work for this thing called "lunch". However, I don't get to take that 30 minute lunch. Sure I might get to eat, but it's at the desk and it's never uninterrupted. In my current job and the two before it, I was told "We don't leave the floor to take a lunch. The expectation is that you don't leave either."

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

I make sure I have 30min. I am not giving them my time FOR FREE! Forget that. I give it to my coworker and charge nurse they make sure I am not bothered for 30 mins and I make sure they aren't bothered for 30 minutes.

We have to look out for each other! cause management for sure isn't. :D

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I get 30 minutes, usually right after the 8:00 pm med pass.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

Most nurses are working in environments where it is assumed that we take a 30min lunch break and we are therefore charged that. I travel for my nursing and frequently eat on the run...no break. Eating a cold sandwich while I drive in traffic to my next appointment is NOT a break and I will get paid for it. I make sure that my time sheet reflects the additional 30min...I am responsible for making sure that I am paid for my time and if I am "working" through my lunch I make sure I get paid for it. I do understand that this may not be so easy for those in the hospital setting...this is where you need to insure that your supervisor is your advocate. If they are not going to pay you that time then you must INSIST on the break...we afterall are employees NOT volunteers. Nurses are famous for being pushovers in this type of situation...we want "help" afterall...employers take advantage of that.

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

At night we take an hour. Day shift takes a 30 min breakfast and 30 min lunch. Technically it's a 30 min lunch and 2 15 min breaks..but all together..it's an hour! And I usually get a full hour.

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Specializes in med/surg , hospice and oncology.
Technically we're supposed to get 30 minutes. Usually get anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours. I love the nights we get to all sit in the breakroom and just rejoice with eachother over homecooked meals that we bring it. We all bring in different dishes from home and share with everyone. It's so much fun!

Are you being serious? If you are, your fortunate.

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Specializes in Acute Care.
Are you being serious? If you are, your fortunate.

I'm just wondering who is watching the pts if the staff is sitting in the breakroom for 2 hours.

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