Exhausted

SarasotaRN2b · Feb 17, 2008

I really don't have a question, just thought I'd make a post & if anybody has any suggestions your MORE than welcome to reply, mostly just sharing my "sob" story.
I work 3rd shift & my weeknds on consist of 4 12hr days in a row. But this is only my 2nd day (2 more to go. . .blah ) & I'm literally exhausted already. I can barely keep my eyes open. Completely dragging. I felt like I slept good yesterday too, just not long enough. I'm trying not to drink any caff b/c I'm a chronic migraine-er, so caff tends to cause them or make them worse. AHHH!!!
*please stay awake, please stay awake, please stay awake*
Have a good night! :typing
:zzzzz

Are you reading my mind? Because I can totally relate!!! I think I got it worse though...you at least get to look at those little ones, I'm having to stare at two cardiac monitors...ugh!

The clock is just moving so very slow today...well, hope the rest of your night goes faster!

Kris

WDWpixieRN, RN · Feb 22, 2008

I did an internship last summer and my RN mentioned that working 3-12's in a row was rough; they split up their weeks so they would only work one or two days in row, have a day or two off, then work one or two again. By the time my 6 weeks was up we had done three in a row twice. I could totally relate. By the time I would commute home, unwind and finally fall asleep, the alarm clock was screaming at me again that it was time to get up and do it again. :yawn: By the end of that third day, I was dying.

While it was SO nice have 3 or 4 days off in row, it is really tough while you're on; to me it's like all you do is just sleep, eat, and work for those days you're scheduled. :crying2:

And while I'm not doing so yet, my best suggestion would be to try to get as much rest and be as kind to yourself as you can on the days you work. Keep the caffeine to a minimum and try to pamper yourself in the little bit of time you do have between work and home.

Best wishes!! I hope to be joining your ranks soon!!

:dncgbby:

Diary/Dairy, RN · Feb 22, 2008

Good luck - 4 in a row is rough. I just did 3 nights in a row - I used to do 4 nights a week and it's just a lot of hours... Good luck to you.

BeccaznRN, RN · Feb 22, 2008

I rarely work three 12's in a row, much less 4! I only do three 12's if I need extra time off for whatever reason (such as a trip out of town). I know of plenty of people that can do it, but I don't tolerate it very well. If I can have one of those three days that's not crazy then it's a little better, but if I have to do three crazy, short-staffed shifts in a row then I'm ready to rip my hair out by that third night. Not a gamble I'm willing to take.

SarasotaRN2b · Feb 22, 2008

Actually, I think it depends on whether you work days or nights...personally, I feel that whether you work 3 days in a row or 2 days and then another, it is very different than when you work the nights. Pretty much for nights that first day is almost a waste because of trying to get into a day schedule during that off spot. I found after working a split week that it was actually tougher. For me the best is if I work the same 3 days each week.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess!

Kris