Advice from commuters on how to survive 12-hr shifts??

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi fellow nursing people!!!

I'm finishing up my first year of nursing school, and this summer we have to complete internships working as nursing assistants. I got a job on a med/surg floor at a hospital. I've been scheduled for 12 hr shifts 3x (consecutive)/wk. I've done three 12 hr shifts in a row before, but I lived closer to the hospital and usually took the bus to/from work or had to drive for maybe 10-15 mins max. This summer however, I'm commuting, and it may take as long as 35-45 mins to get to/from work.

My question is: how do you manage the commute after 12 hr shifts? I'm getting kind of anxious about it and wanted some tips from other long-distance commuters in similar situations.

Thank you so much!!!

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.

I make sure I have music that I like - something with a fast, hard beat to stay awake for the ride home. I can't listen to talk radio :zzzzz

Also, I had a radio with bluetooth installed in my car (tough on a student's budget, maybe) so I can safely talk and drive. When I feel sleepy I call my husband or kids or a friend...they all know why I'm calling and will usually spend 10-15 minutes chatting to help me out.

Worst case, windows wide open. The air helps. If it's cold out, even better.

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35-45 minutes doesn't seem "long distance" to me. Listen to the radio, think about life, have a snack or some coffee or water or something. I listen to Pandora on my smart phone hooked up to my car radio. And then you just get used to it.

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

I drive 5 minutes to work (I've made it in 3, lol), so that seems intolerable to me. There is no way on earth I'd commute that far, ever. I'd stay in a hotel.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

it has been mentioned from previous posters as i 2nd. their opinion, i would have my cd blasting with my favorite songs in order to keep my senses awake. having said that, most of my colleagues use the car pool system as they take turns in driving. needless to say, you must find a trustworthy colleague in order for the carpool to be proficient. pursuing this further, when i use to drive for a long distance i would take the time to catch up with friends or relatives on my hands free cell, trust they can keep you awake :cool: wishing you the best always...aloha~

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.
i drive 5 minutes to work (i've made it in 3, lol)

unquestionably, your lucky the closes i been from work is 1/2 hr. and i thought i had it made. you on the other hand, got it sweet with the price of gas lately you never have to worry, :bow:

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Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

Thank God for Credence Clearwater Revival and Mountain Dew (and once upon a time Marlboro 100's)!!!!

I love the time to mentally prepare on the way/defragment and recompose on the way home.

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.
unquestionably, your lucky the closes i been from work is 1/2 hr. and i thought i had it made. you on the other hand, got it sweet with the price of gas lately you never have to worry, :bow:
i usually ride my bike anyway. i sometimes walk (it's 1.5 miles), but then often need to be picked up because i can't get home in time for evening activities (soccer, little league, music recitals, etc).
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Specializes in Med/Surg.

35-45 minutes doesn't sound like a considerable commute to me..when I lived in Houston that was probably under the average commute.

This is how I would survive my longer commute..windows down, classic rock blasting, a cigarette in one hand (although I would not recommend this, and I am taking Chantix soon to hopefully quit) and a diet cherry pepsi handy in the cup holder next to me. The hardest part was to not let my air guitar or steering wheel drumset distract my driving.

:smokin:

I have since moved to nyc, so I just read the paper on the subway. I got so spoiled on just being a passenger..I don't know that I can afford nyc forever, but if I move it will have to be somewhere that has an efficient public transit system.

Good luck! It's doable..you'll find a routine that works for you.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Depending on which day and which job I'm at, my home commute is either 70 minutes or 3.5 hours -- after 3 or 4 days of consecutive 12-hr shifts.

Various coping techniques that I use depending on my energy level:

1) Caffeine starting about 2 hours before you leave but NOT throughout the shift.

2) Good, heart pumping rock and roll music in the car

3) A good "book-on-tape"

4) Audio study guide

5) Mind-engaging "thought tasks" specifically left for the drive

6) Stopping at various intervals for a 3 minute power walk/calisthenics workout during the drive

7) Power nap before leaving

8) Power nap enroute (usually after pulling over... usually)

You'll have to find a routine that works for you.

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Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.

A big container of small crunchy cereal can help... pick the pieces up one at a time and eat them one at a time to make it last the whole drive -- I've never nodded off when eating. Just watch the fiber levels, everything's made with Whole Grain lately and you may find yourself in the middle of a Personal Code Brown in the middle of your next shift! ;)

Another thing is having a huge UNLIDDED drink in your hand... you're too afraid to spill it on yourself, so your brain stays awake.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Renal, IMCU.

I used to commute at least 60 minutes one way on a good day. It's rough, especially by the 3rd 12. I agree with the windows and loud upbeat music. And coffee or other caffeinated drinks when it comes down to it!

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