How do you unwind...

Nurses Stress 101

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....after a 12 hour shift? I'm doing an externship and this is the first time I've ever worked 12 hours at anything. I have a busy family and I'm used to putting out fires, but I'm astounded by the many nonstop, neverending tasks which the nurses must do. When I get home I'm stuck on stupid. Its like a kind of culture shock. How do you transition?

Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

I work night shift so some mornings (my NIGHT) I have a nice glass of wine. Then some Benadryl, then bed. I can't fall asleep right away...I need some downtime first.

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

When I get home in the morning I kiss my husband goodbye & send him off to work. Then the house & cats are all mine. I play with the kitties to make sure they're worn out, eat a little breakfast, watch a little boob tube, and then go to bed. If I'm really lucky, I might sleep a whopping 3 hours!

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.
I like to get high. :)

That's why you were so concerned about your patient liking his pain meds " a little too much" and possibly "rolling a joint". Uh huh ;)

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Specializes in Just starting out in a Nursing Home..

I take the long way home, eat, sleep..lol

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Listen to some cool music on the way home, take a shower, brush my cats, read until I'm sleepy then sprinkle cat treats all over my bed.

Happy cats are purring cats & purring is the perfect "white noise".

If I don't have to go back to work that night, a nice cold beer or two is not bad either.

If the weekend was absolutely horrible, I stop at the QuickTrip on the way home for the breakfast of champions-nachos & a cold sixer.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

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