Any advice for a first timer working 3 "12 hr shifts"?

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I graduated from an LPN program and currently applying for an LPN-RN bridge program. Instead of getting an LPN job, I applied to a hospital as a patient tech (CNA) to get hospital experience and got the job :) I'm so amped and excited! We had one clinical where we went to the hospital during the program and felt as if we were thrown to the wolves. All these tubes, scans, etc... I just got hired on the cardiothoracic med surg unit and WOW. I'm very aware of how busy and challenging it will be but excited. We have great management and nurse managers are great at putting ourselves first and taking care of our health. Anyhoo, I'm about to start my first 12 hour shift. (I know, right?) I've worked days, evenings and have done 8 hours.... I'm so reluctant and a bit scared with 12 hours...I'll be switching over to the night shift after a few times, as that would be my normal schedule. Any advice and tips? Thank you! :)

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Get used to standing on your feet a lot.

Stretching, foam rolling, new comfortable shoes/socks, maybe investing in some compression socks/stockings, and some of those dr scholls inserts for your shoes.

Im not sure how much standing your job requires (compared to a normal nurse) but as a recent grad soreness was definitely common for me and many of my classmates

Try also adjusting your sleep schedule to fit whatever hours youll be working as well

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

If possible, try not to work three in a row till you are acclimated to the schedule and the floor. And make sure family/friends know you will NOT answer phone till after a certain time of the day. Just train them to call later so you can rest.

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Specializes in Hospice.

It's good to work 3 12-hr shift then have 4days off.. You have a lot of time to rest and get prepared for your work days.. It's a personal preference though.. I work 3 12-hr NOC shift in LTC and im lovin it. Good luck!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

I worked my first twelve hour shift 30 years ago in a pilot program trialing 12 hour shifts in the ICU. I loved it! It's a long day, but a short work week! I've been working 3 12s a week for thirty years, and I wouldn't give them up for anything. I hope you have the same experience.

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