Does clinical do this to anyone else?

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So it feels like on the days that I have clinical I come home so absolutely exhausted that I just feel too foggy to study or do anything productive. It seems like it's got to be something more than just physical activity! I mean, I can work out really hard and be on my feet for most of the day, and feel okay when it doesn't involve clinical. Is it the getting up early? On my clinical days, I get up around 5:15ish, and I'm there from about 6:40am to 4pm. I'm doing total patient care, and etc. so it's pretty labor intensive at times, but there's also a lot of sitting down to chart and do preconference/postconference... Anyway, I"m just sitting here all frustrated that I feel like passing out in bed at 7:19pm when I have 3 major tests to study for! Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone else know why clinical does this haha? Or is it just me?

Just had my first 12 hour clinical today, was from 0530 to 1800. I'm pooped... I have 2 - twelve hour clinical per week for advanced med surg right now. And studying is not on my mind tonight. I'm still regaining feeling in my feet that are cramping up right now.

I've tried 5 hour energy when I used to work late at my old job, so I think that it works... its just really strong tasting and needs water to wash it down.

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
I've always wondered if 5hr energy works... guess I should go get some!

Snake Oil.

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Specializes in Obstetrics.

Yep. I remember I would fall asleep in random places once I got home.

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I felt the same way. To add to it, I would toss and turn, and generally not sleep the night before clinical. I dreaded clinical days.

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Lol yeah. I plan on doing nothing after clinicals except sleep hahaha.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I would say the combo of looking around for learning opps, trying to stay on top of everything you HAD to know about your patient, and the stress of trying to stay busy enough to pass the day wiped me out in NS. A shift can be busy, but you find your downtime. I would say that trying to get the important stuff down quick, and then ease into the rest of the day makes the time go by.

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Specializes in ER psych.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Sometimes I practically fall asleep during postconference. Then I get home and have to study for an exam and a quiz or write a 15 page care plan. It's maddening!

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I was always most exhausted after the 1st day of clinical during the week because I didn't have any down time the night before because I was preparing care plans late and then I would wake up at 5 am. Being in clinicals is highly stressful, you are doing things you have never done before, being evaluated by your instructor who may not be the nicest person you ever met. And it is a lot of work. I would also say to schedule studying around those days and not even attempt it on clinical days.

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