Exhausted

Maevish, ASN, RN · Apr 15, 2016

I just completed a twelve hour shift (7a-7p)...well actually 0700 to 2145...almost 15 hours with no lunch and two five minute breaks. I slept for 10 hours afterward and woke up tired, sore, and depressed. Why is it okay for nurses (who hold lives in our hands) to be subjected to this? This is not a profession...it is glorified slavery. Personally, I would not want a doctor or nurse taking care of me who did not have a break or some food or water in a reasonable amount of time.

I'd watch it with the "s" word since you're getting paid (and people don't like that word:rolleyes:), but yeah, if that happened all the time it would be unsafe. Interns and residents pull 120 hour work weeks (I don't know how), but they're also expected to be safe and make life and death decisions. If more people actually knew how tired they were, they'd probably be up in arms.

In nursing, shifts like that are going to happen sometimes, but if it's a regular thing and no one else is complaining, ask them what the deal is. See what their experience is and if it's the same as yours then take it higher up maybe?

If you got overtime for it then the hospital may feel validated because you're getting compensated, even though it was hell.

If this is the norm, maybe look elsewhere for a job?

At least you got 10 hours of sleep afterwards...after shifts like that I still only get 3-4 hours:banghead:

xo

dec2007 · Apr 15, 2016

I just completed a twelve hour shift (7a-7p)...well actually 0700 to 2145...almost 15 hours with no lunch and two five minute breaks. I slept for 10 hours afterward and woke up tired, sore, and depressed. Why is it okay for nurses (who hold lives in our hands) to be subjected to this? This is not a profession...it is glorified slavery. Personally, I would not want a doctor or nurse taking care of me who did not have a break or some food or water in a reasonable amount of time.

Yeah......that sounds exactly like my shift yesterday. I'm still laying in bed, too stiff and sore to move. It's a little discouraging. Sometimes I just wish I could retire.

milesims · Apr 20, 2016

I agree that it is completely unfair to nurses, many other health care professionals who suffer through the same scenarios, and patients. These situations would be avoided if hospitals were not so short-staffed. At least you get paid a good sum at the end of it.

It's not the end of the world, fortunately. If you decide it isn't right for you, there are many other branches of nursing that do not involve floor work or 12-15 hour shifts. You have so many options in this field, the possibilities are limitless :up: