Any tips for working a 12 hour shift?

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I start working next week in the hospital. I will be working full time, days as a Nursing Assistant and also going to school to finish my prerequisites for the Nursing Program. I have never worked a 12 hour shift , the school semester doesn't start back up until next month so I have a little time to adjust, but does anyone have any tips on what I can expect on a 12 hour shift? Ive read the importance to eat breakfast, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Thank you!

I thought a 12 hour shift would be a long time but it actually isn't. You feel it more once you get home and sit down then you do at work. However, slow days are the WORST.

True. I am beat after working a 12. My eyes are crossed and I cannot think straight. :lol2:

I love reading these tips on how others cope with the 12. Keep them coming, please.

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Stay away from the cafeteria.

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I would say that starting out, it is important to have comfortable shoes. My feet and legs ached terribly until my body got used to standing for most of the 12 hour shift.

As far as it being better than the traditional 8 hour shift, I must say that this is the very reason I am getting another job. I just can't take the twelve hour shift anymore. I work overnight only and for myself personally, I have been doing this over a year now, and your body NEVER gets used to working overnight.

Get used to being exhausted all the time. I am not being negative. This is reality. It comes with the territory I suppose. In a hospital, where not as much heavy lifting is involved as in LTC, the exhaustion is more mental than anything. Dealing with picky/angry/confused people for half of one's day is simply draining.

And let's not forget, for most of us, our day does not end after the shift. I still have to go home and take care of the kids and soon I will be back in nursing school. If you really care and you really want to succeed, you will draw upon your inner strength to make it happen. If not, you will burn out.

Remember in nursing, we must take time out to take care of ourselves. We are so busy giving giving giving, that we often forget to care for the other important person in the equation - ourselves!

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Specializes in NICU.

If you are out of shape, get in shape. I am working on that myself. Get an exercise routine that focuses on lower back and abs (Core). Find whatever relaxation technique works for you i.e Yoga, Deep Breathing, Voo Doo Doll. Raise the bed before you boost a patient and ask for assistance. Lastly, I like to come into work a tad bit early so that I can take a breather before I clock in. On my floor we hit the ground running...all day, everyday!!

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Thank you everyone!

So far I have done everything listed, and the days go by pretty fast. I make sure to take ALL of my breaks and drink lots of fluids through out the day, which has helped!

Thanks again for the advice everyone!

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Wear compression hose or your legs will ache. Personally I think 12 hour shifts are very unhealthy! I do work in a hospital where the pace is non-stop; I'm lucky if I get time for lunch.

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Shoes shoes and more shoes..I can't say it enough. After work I'm beat but after a hot shower my legs and feet scream. I can't seem to find the right shoes. I have soo many shoes its crazy! I think maybe I need to shape up!

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Yeah, Im trying to find the best shoes that work for me. I feel great for the majority of my shift. But when there is about two hours left, my feet begin to kill me!

Thanks for all the replies!

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well keep water on the side handly to take a sip here and there to keep hydrated, good shoes would be a good idea, and snacks to keep your energy up i am sure you will havve more than 1 break(maybe even 3) on top of your lunch

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