BREAKS?????? You've gotta be kidding!

Updated:   Published

nursing-laugh-button.jpg.6ff59900d3fe23316e301074fbae5a4b.jpg

One of the big adjustments that new nurses have to make to the real world of nursing is the reality that nurses do not get to take breaks. This is something they just don't tell you in nursing school.....among other things. Just for fun...what's the longest time you've gone without a bathroom break?

Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.
Janey496 said:
Should joking about how "real world" nurses don't take breaks like its a badge of honor be an okay thing? I want to be the kind of profession that gets fair working conditions.

I agree. I don't think that an environment that discourages self-care among its nurses is anything to joke about. It's not funny.

I take my breaks. On the rare occasion I don't, I put in for "no lunch" so that I'll get paid for that legally entitled 1/2 hour. I don't work for free.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I went 12.5 hours last month without a break. But in that 12.5 hours I gave 6 units of blood, 10 of platelets, 3 of FFP, some cryo and placed multiple lines with the MD, and dealt with a butt ton of family drama. Other than that, it was a great night.

But I agree, like fatigue, not getting a break is not some type of badge of honor we should be proud of. It benefits neither us nor our patients.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
meanmaryjean said:
I went 12.5 hours last month without a break. But in that 12.5 hours I gave 6 units of blood, 10 of platelets, 3 of FFP, some cryo and placed multiple lines with the MD, and dealt with a butt ton of family drama. Other than that, it was a great night.

But I agree, like fatigue, not getting a break is not some type of badge of honor we should be proud of. It benefits neither us nor our patients.

It's not. But it does happen sometimes.

You beat my 8.5!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

We get our breaks. Sometimes it's 30 minutes after shift starts and sometimes lunch is 30 minutes before shift ends but we get our breaks. We have a great staff who looks out for each and we make sure to take care of each other.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Float Pool Nursing.
kalevra said:
Your hard work is greatly appreciated. Many nurses cant get their breaks and lunches. Think of it as a right of passage, getting indoctrinated into our profession.

Nothing personal, but that sort of mentality is extremely flawed. Not taking a break (or lunch) is not a rite of passage. EVERYONE is entitled to a break, not just senior nurses. It's also federal law. If any senior nurse thinks new nurses don't deserve breaks, then they are pure idiots.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Float Pool Nursing.
Janey496 said:
Should joking about how "real world" nurses don't take breaks like its a badge of honor be an okay thing? I want to be the kind of profession that gets fair working conditions.

Yeah, I have to be honest. I really hate this comic. Forgoing your break (working for free) is nothing to be proud of.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

16 hours. I remember walking out of the hospital after 11pm and saying "I didn't eat anything, drink anything or pee today." No thank you with that environment anymore.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
RNdynamic said:
Yeah, I have to be honest. I really hate this comic. Forgoing your break (working for free) is nothing to be proud of.

Does pooping during a code count as a break?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
loriangel14 said:
Saying nurses don't get to take breaks is not true. I work 12 hour nights. I get 1 1/2 to 2 hours break. I take it all at once. Days I get half hour for coffee, 45 minutes for lunch and 45 minutes for dinner. We all work together to ensure everyone gets their breaks.

To be fair, you are in Canada where breaks are taken more seriously. In addition, you appear to receive more generous break times than most nurses in the States.

When I worked 12-hour nights, we were entitled to one 30 minute unpaid lunch period and two 15 minute breaks. In addition, they could not be taken together in one uninterrupted block.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Registered Nurse.

At one job- let's say, I rarely took even 15 mins because I had an *** of a preceptor who was looking at her phone or doing home work all shift except maybe 30-45 mins. to critique or "evaluate". Most of the time, during that experience, I barely got breaks at all. After that initial period, I got to the point I could take 20-30 mins most shifts...not much more--- ever.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-surg, school nursing..
Farawyn said:
Does pooping during a code count as a break?

Another reason why I love you. As soon as I read this post I thought "well, I only get a break when it's super hectic during a code...how rude!":sarcastic:

You always write what I'm thinking.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
SullyRN said:
Another reason why I love you. As soon as I read this post I thought "well, I only get a break when it's super hectic during a code...how rude!":sarcastic:

You always write what I'm thinking.

Miss you Sully!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion