Are headaches a contrainidcation for 12 hour shifts?

[studentnurse9806]

Lol but seriously, every time I work 12 hours I get a terrible headache. I was wondering if there is any way for me to be excused from them by getting a doctors note. I stay hydrated, eat well, but still get one and don't know why

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I highly doubt it.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I used to get headaches from night shift and then I realized the caffeine I was drinking to stay awake actually was giving me headaches. Once I cut all caffeine out of my diet and just drank water on night shift I was fine.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Not gonna happen

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

Get your eyes checked. You may need glasses or a change I prescription. If you are on the computer a lot during your shift, you might be straining your eyes.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

An excuse to get out of work? Unless you are diagnosed with migraines and you have X amount of them per month and require medication, you can't even get an FMLA for them. You need to see a doc if they are that bad.

[brithoover]

I get upwards of 5+ migraines a week (improved from 10+) and I get no accommodations from my work

[IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

Seriously? Um...no. How long have you been working the 12s? Maybe you need to adjust more. Are you staying hydrated?

[alrighThen]

Do you clench your teeth or chew gum all day/night? I grind my teeth when asleep and clench them when I'm awake. Hurts. Good luck

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Have you tried just asking if you can switch to 5 8 hour shifts? 12 hour shifts aren't mandatory everywhere.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

We can't give medical advice per TOS, however, have you gone to see your PCP about your headaches? That is where I would start...

[TSgtRodrigues, BSN, RN]

Lol but seriously every time I work 12 hours I get a terrible headache. I was wondering if there is any way for me to be excused from them by getting a doctors note. I stay hydrated, eat well, but still get one and don't know why [/quote']

You are joking, right? A doctors excuse to get out of 12's? Are you still in school?

That's honestly the best way to make enemies where you work! Making them give you special treatment for something so minor.

Try changing your diet. If you drink a lot of caffeine, cut back! If you rarely drink caffeine, drink a soda when you get a headache! It helps me. Or, take something for the headache at the first sign of getting one to try and stop it in its tracks!