Eating on the run in pt care

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.

Hello!

I recently just started a position as a "medic" (I'm a RMA operating in my scope of practice, but the position is termed "medic"). Well although I've worked as an ER tech and did a PCT stint in an ICU unit for over a year, there is no such thing as a lunch break when it's you, the doc, and a receptionist. SO, I maybe had 4 bites of my salad and learned real fast to just go with a meal replacement shake or a meal bar, baby carrots or whatever is easily accessible between patients. There is a break room and I can just run in and out of between patients, but do any of you in hospital and urgent care have any ideas for health food that is easy to grab and quick in between patients??? I'm also over weight, so this may be of great help in my weightloss :)

Thoughts and ideas appreciated :) Thanks ahead of time!

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Specializes in ER/Emergency Behavioral Health....

I work in the ER and half the time we don't get brakes. I usually make sure I have some sort of trail mix and a lot of water. Sometimes that's all I will have for 12 hours. Lately I've been putting yogurt and frozen fruit in a blender to make a smoothie. You can put almonds and oatmeal in, too, for protein and fiber. I'll drink one of those before my shift.

Sandwiches help too, because you can eat them on the go.

I've pretty much learned that on the crazy busy days when lunch breaks don't happen, don't being anything that requires reheating or utensils.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.

Awesome! Thanks a lot :) You're absolutely right about "don't bring anything that requires reheating or utensils". Ain't no body got time for that!! I especially don't want any of the nasties patients come with having any opportunity of making it some way into what I eat. The lead I worked with yesterday ate her cereal at her desk between patients. Being that I've been in the military, it's been about six years and the days of nearly ingesting anything with no consequence are non existent.

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Cliff bars and yogurt are pretty awesome. Apples and trail mix are my high-end pogey bait.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.
Cliff bars and yogurt are pretty awesome. Apples and trail mix are my high-end pogey bait.

Nice! I've yet to find a cliff bar I actually enjoyed, which one(s) are your go-to?

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I'm a bit of a chocoholic, so I've really only gone with the organic chocolate one with any consistency. I would imagine the protein bars vs the energy bars would be your healthiest choice if you can find one that suits your taste buds!

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If I'm anticipating eating on the run, I try to start my day with a filling breakfast. Like a previous post mentioned Greek yogurt (22g protein / 1 cup) is a great source for protein, calcium and decent for vitamins A,C, D and E. I use this recipe for overnight oats (from Lauren Conrad):

Ingredients

2/3 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)

1/2 cup organic rolled oats

1/2 cup plain (less sugar vs. Vanilla) Greek yogurt (I used non-fat)

1 pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

The night before you plan to eat your oats, mix together all of the ingredients listed above and seal in an airtight container (I use a small mason jar).

Refrigerate the mixture overnight (they will be ready in about 3 hours, but overnight is best).

Wake up and enjoy the next day.

You can add berries and honey or agave nectar for added flavor/antioxidants.

My go to snacks are:

Apples w/ peanut butter (200 cals in 2 tbsp)

Protein bars (read labels as some don't offer much protein and have more calories and sugar than candy bars, not to mention will still leave you hungry).

Pumpkin seeds (7-11 grams of protein depending on brand).

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.

I see a blender purchase in my very near future ;-) Thanks for all the ideas!! I love apples and peanut butter, def going to check out the cliff bar (I'm a chocoholic myself), trail mix and absolutely trying the smoothie recipe this afternoon!

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My favorite Clif Bars are coconut chocolate chip, oatmeal walnut. Blueberry crisp ones are okay - not my favorite but completely edible. I am allergic to peanuts so a lot of bars don't work for me! :)

We eat and run a lot in long term care too. I keep almonds in my purse for when I am starving! :)

Brook

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Specializes in PICU.

If you do buy a blender, I would've recommend the ninja. I bought the one with both the large blender and individual cups that are interchangeable. We love it and use it constantly.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.
My favorite Clif Bars are coconut chocolate chip oatmeal walnut. Blueberry crisp ones are okay - not my favorite but completely edible. I am allergic to peanuts so a lot of bars don't work for me! :) We eat and run a lot in long term care too. I keep almonds in my purse for when I am starving! :) Brook[/quote']

Nice!! Thanks :)

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