Does being fit help fight fatigue at work?

missladyrn · Jan 7, 2013

I imagine it does, but the shift work and hours have caused me to go in the opposite direction. The last thing I want to do after lifting, pulling sliding patients for 12 hours is exercise. I really think that it would make your body tolerate the shift better.

RNperdiem, RN · Jan 7, 2013

I went per diem in my job after my first son was born. I worked part shifts for a long time. When I went back to 12 hour shifts, my legs would hurt. I described it to my husband as feeling like my bones hurt.

The pain was from decreased muscle strength that I used to have when I stood and walked full-time.

I have never personally had any back trouble, but I have read that strong core strength in your abdomen helps protect your back against injury.

I am not into exertion of any sort (I'll let my husband run the marathons), but a nice walk outside in the sunshine does wonders for putting me in a good mood.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2013

I'm about to enter my nursing program and over the past few years I've gained about 40 pounds. One major question that arose in my head is if being fit helps when it comes to being a nurse. Nursing is a very demanding job and I know some nurses work up to 12 hour shifts, other than the fact of having less weight to drag around, are there any benefits being in shape and fit that will help in with your nursing careers?[/quote']
A few months ago I gave up caffeine and have found I don't crash as much at work and now almost never get headaches. I am also trying to eat more real food (ie whole grains, veggies, nuts, and less processed food) and am hoping this will help to improve my health as well as my energy

anotherone, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2013

I think it helps, although 90mins on the elliptical is easier than most shifts. upper body muscle strength also helps alot in most settings . my muscles ache but i doubt more cardio would help,

gloryfied · Jan 8, 2013

Being fit and in shape is a factor in every aspect of life. Being fit and in shape being a nurse will help the ssame as being fit and in shape at an office desk. job

Working out is a must for optimisitic health despite the demand of your job. Youll sleep better and feel better, therefore work better.

I dislike nursing, but working out is something i have been doing for my whole life. It keeps me from suffering from what this job will do to you. compared to others who eat T.V dinners, and go to bed after work, then complain about fatigue and pain.

Here's the deal: You'll have pain working out, and you'll have pain living a sedentary life. but These two kind of "pains" derive different results.

so. . . .

Workout!

surgnurse450 · Jan 9, 2013

I work out on a regular basis, both strength training and cardio. I am always tired at work.. I am not sure its possible to work a 12 hour shift on a busy floor and not be tired. Getting myself to the gym is a lot harder now that I am working full time than it once was, but I try and make a habit of it. There is always so much junk food at work, if I didn't work out I'd be gaining weight by the minute. I do think being slim and fit helps with other aspects such such as being quick, using proper technique was transferring patients and I feel more confident offering health advice when I look healthy than if I were over weight. It's easy to eat like crap when you're working 12 hour shifts so I make a point of packing a healthy lunch the night before, ensuring I have enough healthy snacks to last me 12 hours so I do not resort to the vending machines like so many others do.

Frank91898 · Jan 10, 2013

Thanks for your input guys. It's something I'm been curios about. I can't wait to actually finish school and become a nurse and hopefully working out will help me excel at my job. I can see how working 12 hour shifts can promote bad healthy eating habits. Hopefully I don't get into bad eating habits soon, I feel as if as a nurse you have to be healthy and promote health both physically and mentally.

runlikeagirl · Aug 18, 2013

I found that my feet hurt at the end of the day no matter what, but if I get up and run before work, then I have aching feet AND more energy. It puts an extra pep in my step, and while other people are dragging around later in the day, I can get through the whole day sans coffee, soda, or anything. I also make sure to eat three meals and two snacks daily. It helps me to not crash.