Friday was my first hospital clinical day. It was from 7-3 , everything was fine until around 10am I began to faint in my pt. room. didn't hit the floor but cooly sat in the chair while the lpn got me some soda. I attributed my fainting spell to my nerves and not eating breakfast. Guess I did not know how grueling the all the walking back and forth in the halls is. I get up a 5am and really have very little time to cook breakfast. What are some quick ideas to keep my sugar up and stop the fainting spells b/c I was so embarassed. I am thinking a banana maybe, but I may need more calories than that since lunch is not until 11am
When I was in school, on clinical days, I would have a whole wheat waffle (frozen) pop it in the toaster and when it is done, spread peanut butter on it. It is delicious and lots of protein and some carbs... very portable. Always bring a quick snack like the other posters suggested. Take care
I really have to force myself to eat those early morning clinical days. Luckily, we can eat during pre conference.
I get the Stonyfield yogurt drinks, a banana, and usually a plain waffle or toast -arnold sun grain bread is my favorite bread, it has 3 grams of fiber per slice and still tastes great. I also get organic snack bars or protein bars.
Try almond butter when you get tired of peanut butter. I am addicted to almond butter on chocolate flavored rice cakes! There's all sorts of "butters" out there, I want to try the macadamia next. And I always get the natural peanut butters, which are better for you.
Our clinical group car pools- we trade off bringing breakfast, it is usually bagels and cream cheese with fruit and juice. i like yogurt or a peanut butter sandwich even. PB keeps me full! then we have PB crackers in post conference usually. I always get hungry during the morning, sometimes bring a granola bar or something.
Peanut butter toast is a good protein/carb combo, esp if you use the natural peanut butter. Boil some eggs and peal ahead of time and you can eat one on the way to school. Stick with the proteins, they stay with ya longer.
And remember........... BREATHE.......... sometimes when we're so busy and stressed, all it takes is a minute to slow ourselves down, breathe in slowly through your nose, and out slowly through your mouth. It's amazing how much your body can relax with a couple of those.
yup, definitely a fan of the peanut butter + toast combo. i used to never eat breakfast but i found myself hungry at around 1030 or so, but clinical days are just too long for you to not have breakfast ... now i usually have a hot instant drink mix which is easily transfer to a mug and bring to the car. also, i usually throw in a couple of granola bars and juice boxes to munch while i'm on the go.
I eat a huge honkin' breakfast at the hospital cafeteria at 6:30 am (when it opens). I am still going strong while my classmates are fading by lunchtime!
Specializes in Telemetry, Oncology, Progressive Care.
I usually have oatmeal. I never do the instant stuff and really it only takes a couple minutes to cook it up. I usually throw in 1 tbsp honey with some raisins. I also have some oj or milk to go with it.
Our hospital has a small kitchen on the floor with graham crackers and stuff for those fainting episodes or if you feel you just need something in your stomach.
BTW, I almost fainted at one of my clinicals. Luckily I caught myself before it happened and barely made it to the nurses station before tripping over my own feet. It is definitely a horrible feeling.
Yellow Rose RN
113 Posts
When I was in school, on clinical days, I would have a whole wheat waffle (frozen) pop it in the toaster and when it is done, spread peanut butter on it. It is delicious and lots of protein and some carbs... very portable. Always bring a quick snack like the other posters suggested. Take care