How many times do you really skip lunches and breaks?

Nurses General Nursing

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I know sometimes you need to just to get work done but is this time paid? Aren't you required to take it by law? I am sure that this is a bit immature and definitely sounding like someone who hasn't been working a fast paced hospital with a ton of responsibilities but I just want to know. Are you expected to skip lunch?

How often does it happen?

How many breaks/lunch do you normally get in a 12 hr shift?

Who is there in your place if you do take lunch?

Thanks to those answering!

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I'm in long term care on the 3-11 shift. I never take breaks and I get to eat about half the time (scarf down some food in about 10 minutes). I suppose I could take a break but the only ones who suffer are my residents :(

On the other hand...I love how fast my shift goes by and it is extremely satisfying.

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Specializes in LTC.
I'm in long term care on the 3-11 shift. I never take breaks and I get to eat about half the time (scarf down some food in about 10 minutes). I suppose I could take a break but the only ones who suffer are my residents :(

On the other hand...I love how fast my shift goes by and it is extremely satisfying.

Amen! I work LTC 3-11 and I consider myself lucky if I have time to take a "real" break. I usually just eat a snack while doing paperwork. If I do take a 30 minute break, I usually have to stay over after my shift to get everything done.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

You should take breaks, it is law. Well in MA it is law. Employers tell you to take it so they can deduct it and because it is law. But, they know nurses don't take it, due to time and continue to not do anything about it. In other words, they look the other way. Please take your break, your body needs and deserves this. I admit, I am one who never did. Time and the energy it took to leave the floor then come back and start over again, was too great. Even when I did have something to eat, I would wolf it down as I charted or did a simple task. I rarely if ever went to the bathroom. I had a half hour for lunch and 2 fifteen minute breaks, and would work straight through them. Now, I try to walk for 30 minutes or just sit and eat, but am still programed, conditioned, to skip it or just forget...sad, huh?

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Lunch? eaten at the Nurses Station as I am trying to catch up on the paperwork.

Breaks? does a quick run the the rest room count?

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Specializes in Oncology, Medical.

Depends on the day. I have good days and bad days!

Just yesterday, I took all three of my breaks - yay! Granted, I was late for two of them, but I got to them and I got to eat and pee! LOL Then there have been days when I only took one out of three breaks in a 12 hour shift! It's awful and exhausting. I tell myself not to but then I think of my patients and I can't help it. Still, if it happens and I am returning the next one or two days, I tell the charge nurse that my patient load is too heavy to manage and need it changed.

Most of the time, I end up skipping my "coffee break" in the morning, especially if I find myself falling behind, but if I do, I definitely get to my lunch break, no matter what.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

We technically allowed an hour and 40 minutes in our 12 hour shift. I might take 40 minutes. I make sure all my work is done by the end of my shift. I'd much rather take less of a break and leave on time. On nights that are quieter I take more time.

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I always try to take my lunch break of 30 mins but never get my morning or afternoon break.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

i get lunch almost every day. and bathroom breaks and sometimes even my morning or afternoon break. if you don't take care of yourself, you cannot take care of anyone else.

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Specializes in OB, ER.

In 10 years I've never gotten a 15 minute break. I'd say I get my 30 minute lunch about 30% of the time. If it's busy no one can watch your patients and you just can't go. I think we should have extra staff to cover breaks. Even on a good day one nurse has to do a double load for 30 min and that is still hard on a light day.

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Specializes in LPN.

When I worked in a hospital, the supervisors made sure we all got our breaks. There was no exception, you just did it.

But in LTC, I have worked months without a break. I finally decieded, enough was enough. I just told my CNA's I was going on break and left. There is no one covering my floor at night, I am it on my unit. However, to my surprise, I do work faster, and actually get more things done quicker after my break. I am taking my lunch break daily now for about 2 months. Yesterday I even got a coffee break besides. - Now that is truely rare.

I would encourage you to have your CNA's write down the requests for pain pills and the like, and you can deal with them when you get back. I was not hired to be at these peoples beak and all and not take my breaks. I am letting my desire to keep the floor peaceful and everyone totally happy, - at my expense. I now feel, if you can't handle the fact that I am taking my federally mandated break, then you have the problem, not me. Why should I be so quick to offer comfort, when the receiver believes I don't deserve a needed sit down and rest. I am not from the south, actually my family moved to America in the 40's. But, I think we are guilty of letting our employers and patients treat us like the slaves in the south. We aren't fighting for our freedom, we just lay down like broken, beaten, and abused slaves. We make ourselves slaves by doing the same things slaves where made to do in the cotton fields. We don't take breaks, we work when we are sick, we don't take breaks, many people work will having labor pains, and some drop dead in front of us with heart atttacks. I really think it's time to stop this self sacrifice, this self induced slave ship, and become the strong and calm professionals we are meant to be.

Sorry about rambling.

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Specializes in ICU, prior telemetry experience.

I work on a busy tele unit, and I agree with Ruby! You have to make some time for yourself. I make it a point to sit down for my lunch at least. Sometimes you can't help it if the patient is in distress, or there is a doctor who needs to speak with you... and then I leave early or step out from my lunch. But other things can wait for me to take a 30 minute break... and if it can't the covering RN can handle it.

If I have to pee, I make myself stop for a second and take care of me! There are always moments where potty breaks or lunch needs to hold off for a little while, but they need to be worked in just like everything else.

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