What to do to help endure consecutive work stretches

AnnieNHRN · May 1, 2009

Are you hired for 36 or 40? If 36, then why not just change one of those 12's into an 8? That's a lot of hours crammed into 4 days. Would be too much for me!

Make sure you get your lunch break!

NC Girl BSN · May 1, 2009

Are you hired for 36 or 40? If 36, then why not just change one of those 12's into an 8? That's a lot of hours crammed into 4 days. Would be too much for me!
Make sure you get your lunch break!

Thats a great idea! I am taking that to management Monday and shaving one of the 12's to 8. Thanks!

chicookie, BSN, RN · May 1, 2009

I used to hate that. My preceptor worked Fri, Sat, Sun of one week and then Mon, Wed, Thur. The next. That was four 12 hour shifts in a row!

The only thing that got me through them was thinking how much I earned, who I helped and counting down to the end of my preceptor ship. I just kind of grinned and dealt with it.

wooh, BSN, RN · May 1, 2009

I work my shifts all in a row when I can.:)

Most importantly, drink LOTS AND LOTS of water. Get as much sleep as possible. And GREAT shoes.

RNperdiem, RN · May 1, 2009

It takes a while to build up stamina.

You may feel wiped out now, but you will gain stamina.

Take care of your self with the basics of plenty of sleep, good shoes, a filling breakfast etc.

Make a little time for yourself during your time off from work.

Altra, BSN, RN · May 1, 2009

My perspective:

In the rest of the non-nursing world, 40 hours per week is standard, full-time employment. No one questions it. I've yet to figure out why this is such a big deal in nursing. Preferences vary from individual to individual -- some prefer to work several days in a row followed by several days off; others prefer to break it up. Sometimes you'll get to choose which of those work better for you, sometimes you'll have to roll with what works for your department.

From your post, you've also gotten lucky enough to be assigned to a preceptor who works straight days. Enjoy that perk while you can.

Nursing is demanding. Any new environment where you're starting from scratch is mentally draining at first. I have faith that you can adapt.

Best of luck to you.

BerryHappy · May 1, 2009

Lots of water.

Protein ONLY for breakfast (egg whites & bacon)

Take apples and cheese sticks for a midday snack

Hi protein, med carb lunch

Nuts/granola for afternoon snacks

Sugar free mints for a little treat.

Stay away from sugar! You will get a boost and then crash hard waaay before your shift is over.

Advil or other anti-inflammatory towards the end of your shift if your feet get too painful.

Get great shoes, breathable/sweatable socks, a good bra, comfy undies, a sweater and keys to your car so you can sneak in a nap (10 min) if you get a break.

truern · May 1, 2009

Lots of water.
Protein ONLY for breakfast (egg whites & bacon)
Take apples and cheese sticks for a midday snack
Hi protein, med carb lunch
Nuts/granola for afternoon snacks
Sugar free mints for a little treat.
Stay away from sugar! You will get a boost and then crash hard waaay before your shift is over.
Advil or other anti-inflammatory towards the end of your shift if your feet get too painful.
Get great shoes, breathable/sweatable socks, a good bra, comfy undies, a sweater and keys to your car so you can sneak in a nap (10 min) if you get a break.

Agree with most of your post, however, she'd get canned in a New York minute if she got caught napping at WakeMed.

NCGRN, see if you can get those Thursday hours down to 8. That would be your "reward" for getting thru the previous shift and maybe leave you some energy for the weekend.

Btw, check your PMs....

AOx1 · May 1, 2009

I've found advance planning and organization to be my best allies. It sounds silly, but I select the scrubs I will wear for each day prior to doing a 4 day stretch of shifts. I buy a bunch of salad stuff, some chicken, veggies, and lots of fruit. I prep everything and make lots of individual salads in tupperware containers. I grill up a few types of chicken and some veggies. I fill my sigg bottles with brita water. With me to work I take a lot of healthy snacks that I can inhale in a hurry, like bananas, oranges, berries, carrots, etc. That way if things are crazy, I won't be tempted to eat a bunch of junk, which will just drain me.

Every day when I get home, I toss the day's scrubs in the laundry, wipe down my super birkis with alcohol (yes, I'm compulsive, lol) and make sure lunch is ready for the next day. I then work out for around an hour with my husband. I then take a shower, and make a quick dinner from the stuff I already made before the stretch of shifts. It's like fast food, but not unhealthy. I do all my shopping for groceries, cooking, and errands, etc on my first day off, then I can really enjoy the rest of my time with my family without feeling like there's something I need to do. I always make sure I get plenty of sleep, too; on the rare occasion when I don't, I feel like I've been hit by a truck.