Does this happen in NICU too? Kinda long

fergus51 · Jun 26, 2007

I almost always get a break, and I take 5 minutes if I need it without problems. I hate to reiterate what you've already been told, but yes, you need to be more assertive than my blood sugar is low and I need a break. In the NICU there will be other nurses in the immediate area so you won't be alone in a room like that, though I have had occasions where I wasn't able to leave without another nurse coming. If you need to grab some food and it isn't your scheduled break time, you say "Cathy, can you watch my baby for a minute? Thanks" and you go scarf some food and come back in 5 minutes just like it was a bathroom break. If someone says they were going to relieve you and haven't within about 30 minutes, call them and find out what's going on. There will be rare occasions when you literally can't get out, but they are rare. If it's a serious issue, I would keep a snack pack in my pocket and eat a little each time I went out for a bathroom break.

hikernurse · Jun 26, 2007

The nurses are really good about relieving each other on my NICU unit--as long as it's safe to do so. If they are too busy to relieve, then we could call the charge nurse to help.

I'd definitely make sure you've got enough snacks to get through, though, just in case.

Where I worked before I'd spend most of the day running as I took care of patients in several different rooms, down different halls and now other than my lunch break (which is a generous one) I spend all day within a few short feet. I *think* it's better .

Jolie, BSN · Jun 26, 2007

I used to have episodes of hypoglycemia at work as well. I was not diabetic, but was very thin and had terrible eating habits, would often snack on high-sugar foods when there was not time for a proper meal break, and then would experience a plunge in blood sugar an hour or two later. I often got migraines along with the low blood sugars, so it was a double whammy.

This happened when I worked NICU and L&D, as both units have moments when breaks are just not feasible. My doctor, the husband of a NICU nurse finally set me straight. He had me come in for a physical and lab work to ensure that nothing serious was wrong. (There wasn't.) He then insisted that I improve my eating habits (at least at work, if not all the time). I worked 3-11, and started to have my main meal at home before work. I brought a light meal to microwave at work, such as left-overs, soup, or a frozen Healthy Choice dinner, as the cafeteria food was awful, and I would resort to burgers and fries. I also kept a stash of snacks like peanut butter crackers, trail mix, etc. in my locker or the break room so that I could eat something quickly on the run that would not play havoc with my blood sugar. I also switched to diet soda, since drinking sugared drinks made my blood sugar too labile.

I found that by maintaining a constant blood sugar level, I avoided most of my physical symptoms and problems. While there are definitely times that you won't be able to take a full break, it is unusual NOT to be able to run out for 5-10 minutes for a potty and snack break. One advantage of working in an ICU is that the level of staffing and layout of the unit usually allow for another nurse to "watch" your patient(s) for a few minutes when no hands-on care is needed. As you gain experience, you will be able to do the same.

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2007

This rarely happens. I can get another nurse to watch my nurse while I take a potty break or the charge nurse if I need to eat. You often have to plan ahead, like telling the charge nurse, "Ill need to take a break at 11" and they'll do it or send someone.

Sorry you've had bad 1:1 expereinces.

MA Nurse · Jun 26, 2007

I teched on a peds psych unit, and often was 1:1 with a client. I know that in NICU there are 1:1 babies too. (I am aware that NICU and Psych are different worlds). This situation happened many many times (which is what concerns me)
On numerous occasions, I would ask for short a break because my blood sugar was low (I stated "I need a break now because my blood sugar is low") and was often told by the RNs that they were too busy to do it now, and would find someone to relieve me - which was fine. But 1 hour later when I was still begging for a break, it's not fine (thank God I had some carbs with me ... but not enough). My pt. was required to stay in his room, and I was not allowed to leave my spot, so letting others know was not possible.
When I talked to the charge nurse about this, I was told "you need to be more assertive and direct about your needs". Sorry, but I don't know how to be more direct than "My blood sugar is low, and i need a break". NM said the same thing about needing to be more assertive/direct.
When my blood sugar is low, I can not safely care for a patient (especially one as sick as a NICU baby) because I can't think clearly ... I am too focused on how badly I feel at that moment. This is not an everyday occurance either ... but if my blood sugar does go low, is staffing usually sufficient enough to cover me for 5 minutes so I can get some sugar in me or will I be encountering this situation in NICU too???? Any ideas on how to handle this situation if it does happen in NICU?
I think some of this worry about little stuff is just because I am terrified (but so so excited) to start my 1st nursing job in NICU!!!!

We have a break relief nurse in our unit, that is specifically their job. I'm not sure, but I think this is a law in Ca. now, that we have to have a specific nurse to relieve for breaks...it's a fairly new thing, like in the last few years. You should have no problem leaving for 5-10 min. in the NICU, there are usually nurses around you, and very close.

lovemyjob · Jul 3, 2007

I dont know how you could be more assertive. What do they want you to do, roll on the floor and throw a tantrum? Maybe one day you should fake pass out in front of them, then maybe they will take you moe seriously. (J/K, of course.)

I would talk to your HR specialist. I am sure they would agree that this is covered under the americans with disabilities act (if this is a medical condition.)

You will prob find that pretty much any other unit will not do this, sounds like something that is pretty uncommon.