Hi all. I just started clinicals at the hospital a few weeks ago and we are there from only 6-2. We are only doing basic ADL's and observation right now but the time goes by so slow. (we are on a med surg floor, BTW) There just really is not much going on much of the time. I find myself watching the clock! :uhoh21:
We are at a fairly small hospital and so far many of the nurses on the floor have not been very receptive to us (understandably so) but those who have we have tried to learn from without intruding too much ....but there's still alot we can't do as students.
I guess my question is, as a nurse, is the 12 hour shift boring and long ?
I remember walking out of there thinking I can't believe some of them will be here til 7 or 8 at night. :uhoh21:
I have been a nurse for a year...went back to school late after doing nutrition for many years. I thought the 12 hours would be long physically...they aren't. The time does go by fast but I don't like 12's anymore and I am switching to 8's on another floor within a week and can't wait. It amounts to 2 more days a month as I am part time. with 12's the day is really gone...don't feel like doing anything major after work except go out for a few drinks or a bite to eat, now I can be home by 3:30pm and do things, eat dinner with family, mow the lawn, etc.....It is the stress of the job, not the physical action that makes the twelve hour day too long. That your body will adjust to quickly. All I want to do after 2 12 hour days that are often stretched to 13 and 14 hours,... is sleep so what good is it? If they call me for overtime I turn it down. I also work for a doctor and I really like that job....you won't know what you like until you try it yourself for awhile.
Things are so different when you are a student. You still have homework on your mind and care plans....and you cant be comfortable...in the environment. The clinical times go by so slow. Shame on the nurses that aren't nice to the students....I find that totally kid behavior. Guess what they aren't going to be nice to you when you are a new nurse either...it is like you have to pay your dues! I have had a lot of long talks with my boss about it who agrees with me. They are doing a "behavior" inservice...can you imagine for grown nurses?! You will see and you will be fine...it just takes time. When you are a nurse you can be the exception to the rule and be nice to the students and be a true mentor. "Do no harm?" isn't that the oath...it doesn't just mean in patient care..... Good luck, have patience and if you are meant to be a nurse you will be a good one and will make a difference.
Nancy
soon.
Hi all. I just started clinicals at the hospital a few weeks ago and we are there from only 6-2. We are only doing basic ADL's and observation right now but the time goes by so slow. (we are on a med surg floor, BTW) There just really is not much going on much of the time. I find myself watching the clock! :uhoh21:
We are at a fairly small hospital and so far many of the nurses on the floor have not been very receptive to us (understandably so) but those who have we have tried to learn from without intruding too much ....but there's still alot we can't do as students.
I guess my question is, as a nurse, is the 12 hour shift boring and long ?
I remember walking out of there thinking I can't believe some of them will be here til 7 or 8 at night. :uhoh21:
Aquamarine
213 Posts
I have been a nurse for a year...went back to school late after doing nutrition for many years. I thought the 12 hours would be long physically...they aren't. The time does go by fast but I don't like 12's anymore and I am switching to 8's on another floor within a week and can't wait. It amounts to 2 more days a month as I am part time. with 12's the day is really gone...don't feel like doing anything major after work except go out for a few drinks or a bite to eat, now I can be home by 3:30pm and do things, eat dinner with family, mow the lawn, etc.....It is the stress of the job, not the physical action that makes the twelve hour day too long. That your body will adjust to quickly. All I want to do after 2 12 hour days that are often stretched to 13 and 14 hours,... is sleep so what good is it? If they call me for overtime I turn it down. I also work for a doctor and I really like that job....you won't know what you like until you try it yourself for awhile.
Things are so different when you are a student. You still have homework on your mind and care plans....and you cant be comfortable...in the environment. The clinical times go by so slow. Shame on the nurses that aren't nice to the students....I find that totally kid behavior. Guess what they aren't going to be nice to you when you are a new nurse either...it is like you have to pay your dues! I have had a lot of long talks with my boss about it who agrees with me. They are doing a "behavior" inservice...can you imagine for grown nurses?! You will see and you will be fine...it just takes time. When you are a nurse you can be the exception to the rule and be nice to the students and be a true mentor. "Do no harm?" isn't that the oath...it doesn't just mean in patient care..... Good luck, have patience and if you are meant to be a nurse you will be a good one and will make a difference.
Nancy
soon.