Feeling worn out all the time

[hs2005]

Don't know if it is due to stress and fast pace on my unit or what, but I find on my days off I feel exhausted. People always say how lucky I am to work only 3 days a week, but I don't get much done on the days I am not at work. The first day seems to be a complete recovery day after working two 12 hour shifts in a row. Maybe it is because I work different days and every other weekend so I can't get into a routine. Does anyone else have this problem? Don't know if I need to go to a less stressful unit (if that exists) or go to a M-F nursing position.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

Diet. Staying away from white flour and sugar.

Green salads, legumes, whole grains, yeah. Go healthy with the food is my advice. Stay away from the doughnuts. Funny how hospitals will reward our work with crappy food: Ie Pizza, doughnuts, candy, the works. Energy depleting crap!

[canigraduate]

I was feeling the same way working 5 8s as a CNA. Went to the doc, had a slew of tests, found out I had a Vitamin D deficiency. Took a supplement, felt much better within a couple of weeks.

It never hurts to check.

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Healthy bodies generally adjust to the physical stresses placed upon them. After a generally short period of adjustment, being "exhausted" becomes more of a state of mind than anything physical, of course again if one is healthy.

[laughing weasel]

Keep your wake up and sleep times as close to constant as possible. Try to spend a couple of minutes outside or at a window as close as possible to sunrise and sunset. It helps set your biological clock.

[Flying ICU RN]

The first day seems to be a complete recovery day after working two 12 hour shifts in a row. Maybe it is because I work different days and every other weekend so I can't get into a routine. Does anyone else have this problem? .

My feet after 12 hours in the ICU.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Flying ICU RN,

I scroll along and see your name, and I slow down. I prepare myself...

[SoundofMusic]

I'm in the same boat. The stress and the long 12 hour shift just kills me, even as I cut back to only 2 shifts a week. Now,I take care of kids at home and also go to school, so I really NEVER get a break. It does lead to a continous exhaustion for me also.

I've tried a lot of things to boost my energy -- good vitamin supplementation, lots of B vitamins, regular sleep -- although I can't seem to make myself get to bed early enough on my off days, cutting down on caffeine, etc. But I'm still exhausted -- I think it's just the job and the constant stress -- it's inhumane.

[Flying ICU RN]

Flying ICU RN,

I scroll along and see your name, and I slow down. I prepare myself...

Understood!