Caffeine and shifts

Published

I will be soon working 12 hour shifts about 3 times a week (in about 2 days). I am normally an upbeat, hyper type of person but I do enjoy caffeine and I was wondering what were peoples' experiences with caffeine and long shifts. Did it help or just hinder your performance in the long run? Like did it make you crash, etc if you didn't refuel every so often?

I go to Starbucks and get a grande mocha cap with 3 shots of espresso (yes, 3 ). Gets me through the shift. If I don't have it I have zero energy and can't function. The only time I drink coffee is at work, 2- 3 days a week so I don't feel that I have to worry about those dreaded caffeine headaches.

Me without coffee in the am at work is like watching the Exorcist.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i work 8 hour shifts, 11-7 and i definently need coffee, but have to stop at 4 a.m. of i don't sleep well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, LTC, ER, MS.

I work 12 hour night shift and have to have my caffiene. I don't do coffee...strictly pepsi or diet pepsi. It really doesn't seem to bother me going to sleep though and am often times finishing one up as I am giving report.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Night shifter here: One large coffee, milk with five (yes, I said five) sugars for the subway ride in, and another when I go on my break at around 0200. If it's not too bad a night I'll get a small with milk and three, and if I'm not feeling so hot it'll be a large tea with milk and four. If I'm busting my butt and super thirsty I might grab a Coke/Pepsi to go with the second coffee. My rule is that when I do my 0500 cares, I have to throw out whatever I haven't finished so I have a chance of going to sleep.

So take note: raising your kids on carob and tofu juuuuuust might not result in a lifetime of good eating habits. Sorry, mom. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health Care,LTC.

I work 4 days a week 10 hours 6pm to 4am I need at least 3-4 diet Pepsi's to keep me awake and functioning during my shift especially when the pt is asleep and the whole house is mostly dark.

Now that I am in school I study while he is asleep some times it helps some times it hurts.

If I don't have the caffeine I am very sluggish and it also helps keep my migraines under control. I drink diet so it has not affected my wt. In fact I have lost 100lbs since I have moved to NV March 07

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion