Keeping energy up during 12 shift without coffee

Nurses Stress 101

Published

Specializes in Cardiac.

So I don't drink coffee, and I've been wondering how to keep my energy up during the full 12 hour shift. I work on a floor where I am constantly busy, so it is easy to get tired quick especially if it is your 2nd or 3rd 12 in a row.

What I found that helped me best other than the obvious: good night sleep the night before, squeezing workouts in your schedule (which are crucial btw) but I tried a green energy powder.

I'd already purchased this a while ago based on my sister's recommendation however didn't use it much because it does not have the best taste when mixed in water. But I tried it again recently and over the passed few months I've seen a change in my alertness and energy. It's called Green Vibrance, the easiest way I found to take it is mixing it in fruit/strawberry apple sauce, and eating it fast but it's well worth it.

If anyone else has any other energy boosting suggestions other than coffee or energy drinks, let me know!

ACE it is an A​ppetite Control Energy capsule. I used it to help me lose weight, and then to get through 12 hour shifts at work.

Green tea is great. It gives you energy without being overbearing. It also comes in flavours. I used Earl Grey Green a lot through my old job (18 hour shifts on a ship) and didn't feel like I was over-caffeinated or putting something weird in my body.

Specializes in geri,acute,subacute,correctional,pysch,.

Monster rehab drinks (cranberry is my favorite), one at 7AM and one at 5 pm. I work 14.5 hour shifts on Sat an Sun every weekend.

Apple slices, water, and a little dark chocolate with peanut butter. I stay away from per packaged powders and drinks- just sugar and caffeine. I've also started a multi vite and b12 complex.

I just started using GNC Womens Ultra Mega vitamins for active women. They're great for energy! Lots of B vitamins.

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Great snacks... half a sandwich, Low Sodium V8 is dynamite, fruit, etc.

Specializes in Orthopedic, LTC, STR, Med-Surg, Tele.

I try to drink one of those insulated tumblers of water every couple of hours. I also bring granola bars, those prepackaged snack crackers and dried cranberries. Plus if lunch is going to be late I will sometimes eat one of those little peanut butters if I start to feel weak. I'd rather have snacks than piling on caffeine.

+ Add a Comment