Any tips for weekend double shifts?

leslie :-D · Mar 4, 2006

i did that for awhile. around here it's called the baylor program where you work for 24, get paid for 32. work 32, get paid for 40. same concept. i don't know what specifics you are looking for in terms of tips. i never had a problem working those hours back to back. granted, i was a puddle come monday but my adrenaline kept me pumped for those 2 long days. if you drink coffee or drink caffeinated sodas, then i would stop drinking those at around 6 pm. you want to be able to crash when you get home. again commuter, i guess i don't understand your concerns. you'll do fine working 16 hr days. splash your face w/cold water periodically; try to grab 5-10 minutes of fresh air, no matter how cold. i really can't think of much more to offer. i'm in the re-entry market as it has been awhile since i've worked r/t medical issues i've experienced. now that i'm back in the market, i told my husband that i wouldn't mind doing the weekend hours again....it certainly is worth the extra $$ and the extra time off. best of luck to you!

leslie

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2006

i did that for awhile. around here it's called the baylor program where you work for 24, get paid for 32. work 32, get paid for 40. same concept.

That's quite funny, as the facility where I'll be working is actually owned by Baylor!

My concerns are related to sciatica pain in my right calf. Sometimes it is bearable, and at other times it hurts badly when standing or walking for long hours. I suppose I'll need to find a way to work through the sciatic nerve issue.

fossil78 · Mar 4, 2006

That's quite funny, as the facility where I'll be working is actually owned by Baylor!
My concerns are related to sciatica pain in my right calf. Sometimes it is bearable, and at other times it hurts badly when standing or walking for long hours. I suppose I'll need to find a way to work through the sciatic nerve issue.

Actually i have worked the weekend double shift for 15 years. My advise to you is to get a good pair of walking shoes, and good ted hose for support of your legs. I wouldn't trade for a 5 day a week job. Also you don't have to deal with administration. Sometimes you feel left out of the group, but i don't party with the people i work with.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2006

Actually i have worked the weekend double shift for 15 years. My advise to you is to get a good pair of walking shoes, and good ted hose for support of your legs. I wouldn't trade for a 5 day a week job. Also you don't have to deal with administration.

I purchased a pair of TED hose online and they should arrive before I start this job.

Sometimes you feel left out of the group, but i don't party with the people i work with.

Me neither. Socializing with my co-workers has never been a big priority for me. Thank you so much for these cool tips.

Midwest4me · Mar 4, 2006

I, too, did that Baylor plan for a couple of years....(on an Altzheimers unit no less!!!). I found that the second 16 hrs (Sund)turned into 17 or 18 hrs as I triple-checked all of my signatures before leaving--I found I made more errors on Sunday due to the fatigue--so do lots of checking! One big tip I can share is to bring a second pair of shoes---and switch them every 8 hrs---it does WONDERS for your feet!

leslie :-D · Mar 4, 2006

One big tip I can share is to bring a second pair of shoes---and switch them every 8 hrs---it does WONDERS for your feet! [/i]

wow drifter, i'll have to try that myself. no matter where i work, i always try to schedule double shifts and yowsa, my feet hurt by the end of the shift. i never thought to switch shoes but i like the sounds of it. thanks!

leslie

elkpark · Mar 4, 2006

I worked weekend doubles for a few years a long time ago, and really enjoyed having all my weekdays free! I strongly second the suggestion about remaining aware that Sunday evening is the time that you are going to be more likely to make sloppy errors, as you get more tired and eager to leave, and be extra vigilant about double-checking things then.

One thing that I found on double shifts (others may not have the same problem) was that, although I had showered and put on deodorant in the AM before coming to work, I developed noticeable body odor by late in the day. I kept a little "kit" at work with my usual facial products and my deodorant, and would take a quick break in the late afternoon to not only wash my face but also grab a washcloth and towel and clean my "pits" and apply fresh deodorant. "Starting over" clean and fresh in the midddle of the day seemed to be a real psychological & energy boost for me (in addition to fixing the BO problem).

all4schwa · Mar 4, 2006

i have been working 2p-6a as a nurse aide on the weekends for four years to get through nursing school (3mos left!!!) it really is tough, but worth it, i can give a few tips from a n.a. --

don't stay out late on friday :nono: you need plenty of shut eye

bring a nutritious lunch and snack, and another lunch from home

try to set up and accomplish as much as you can early in the day.

I work in a LTC and i go back to our physical therapy dept and do yoga and stretches for my low back, esp on sunday nite

and i don't schedule anything on monday...

it is nice to be able to avoid TPTB, and stay out of the loop of gossip, plus the downtime of niteshift helps me study,

although we have a baylor program at my facility, it's for nurses and i don't get compensation for the long shifts, but not having to work during the week with nursing classes and clinical is worth it.

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2006

eat a light meal every 4 hours, drink plenty of water, try to eat a little more carbs, and sit at every opportunity. use good body ergonomics i.e. if you are standing at the medcart and there is a chair or something nearby it helps to rest your foot or knee on the chair. i have done this as a CNA for years, all i have to say is good luck and you can get through it