Fatigue and floor nursing

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 15, 2007

More than likely it's stress that is zapping your energy.

For me exercise helps. No matter how dead dog tired I am I force myself to go to the gym a few times a week after work. I recently started yoga classes (again, I stopped a year ago). I find I have much more energy when I eat lightly and primarily vegetarian (that's just me, I'm not trying to preach or convert).

Taking care of your physical and mental self during off hours helps to cope with the fatigue in my opinion.

Good luck.

leslie :-D · Oct 15, 2007

i agree, that exercise will rejuvenate you.

i'm a rag doll when i get home, but get a 2nd wind in 2-3 hrs.

eating lightly-sm, frequent, healthy snacks, has sustained the energy.

i'm not sure if your fatigue is r/t being new.

i know of many nurses who feel wiped out at the end of the day.

but taking care of yourself, is a must.

i used to make this health drink yrs ago.

dang, it gave me so much pep.

i know it had yeast and lecithin in it...can't remember the recipe.

but i felt great, my skin glowed and my pee was bright yellow. :)

if i can remember it, i'll be glad to share it.

leslie

EmmaG, RN · Oct 15, 2007

More than likely it's stress that is zapping your energy.
For me exercise helps. No matter how dead dog tired I am I force myself to go to the gym a few times a week after work. I recently started yoga classes (again, I stopped a year ago). I find I have much more energy when I eat lightly and primarily vegetarian (that's just me, I'm not trying to preach or convert).
Taking care of your physical and mental self during off hours helps to cope with the fatigue in my opinion.
Good luck.

So true. I joined a gym that I had to pass on my way home in the mornings. I'd force myself to stop there every morning, no matter how dog-tired I was. I even scared the staff a few times as I rode the stationary bike while dozing :lol2:

But it made such a difference. I slept so much better, and the stress level diminished too. I had much more energy on my days working and off.

but i felt great, my skin glowed and my pee was bright yellow. :)

Must have had alot of 'B' vits in it.

If you remember, please share :)

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Oct 15, 2007

Yeah, Les, lotsa B vitamins give you energy! :lol2:

I have the same problem as OP --in fact, I've done healthcare work for many years and always feel sore and exhausted on my first day off -- so I'll just sit back and take the advice.

I think I'd feel lazy if I wasn't wiped at the end of the week. If I'm not wiped out, I get all suspicious and guilty and work overtime.

That's probably the biggest sacrifice my family has to make for this career. My DH says it's better than having me bouncing off the walls when I'm home for more than two days, though.

MedicalLPN, LPN · Oct 16, 2007

I can really relate, I work night shift weekends, friday saturday and sunday 7pm-7am by the time Monday roles around I am completely toasted! I was supposed to work last night, slept all day as usual, charge nurse phoned to tell me I was on call at around 5pm, I went back to bed and slept until 5am!!! It just seems as if my body just craves sleep all the time, I need to find a gym to join...

Sassybottom · Oct 16, 2007

regular vitamins, trying to insure adequate H20 intake during your shift, as much sleep as you can, and somehow finding some time to workout in between.

I practice yoga and it really does feel good. Yoga encourages us to leave things that have happened in the past behind. I have a hard time letting go of my mistakes and will dwell on them but yoga helps me let go. The hard physical nature of ashtanga yoga also provides release and a good workout.

My back feels great after a good yoga practice.