Recovery time

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in critical care.

After having multiple back to back 12-hour shifts in the hospital setting, how much time does it take you to recover? (And if you don't mind, what is your age?)

I'm 34, and I feel like it takes me longer than it should to bounce back. I take massive naps my first two days off. Feels like a waste of days off. 😔

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

I usually do not feel that much tired after 2 shifts, after 3 in a row i've got to have bed strike till next midday or so. Kids and hubby are keeping mommy running, and I am going to back to school soon!

Early 40th

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When I worked nights, I did 3 in a row then had a "zombie day" where I tried to recover. Now that I do days, I feel exhausted after 2 in a row and the first day off I need a nap.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

I just started doing nights about 8 weeks ago, but for now I feel like I just don't recover lol. I start to feel normal the second night off after two in a row, but my sleep schedule is so jacked up that daytime isn't something I see on the regular anymore. I've kind of come to the realization that I'm just going to be tired no matter what, so just gotta go ahead and live my life anyway.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

50 and 3-12's about do me in! Standing on your feet for almost 36 hours in a row makes

for a sore back and howling tootsies no matter what shoes you wear. I usually sleep in on that first day off and hang out in the house if I can.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I'm in my early 50s and work 10h shifts + overnight call. I am very tired after 3 shifts but brain dead by the end of 4! I'm a NP now so the work isn't as physically taxing but the mental stress is worse, for my pea brain anyway, lol.

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Specializes in ICU.

Heh. I'm 26 and can do 5-6, or one time 8, in a row of nights as long as I have that first (or only) day off to sleep as long and as much as I want. I wear different shoes every shift and I swear it makes a difference.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I've only ever had to work a max of 4-5 shifts (12's) in a row. I had to sleep my whole first day off and I normally take a nap when my toddler on my days off anyways. I'm 23 in a level II Trauma ER.

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Specializes in critical care.

I remember back in the day, I'd bartend for doubles, multiplied days in a row, and not need a bounce back day. Right now, I feel like I need two. I can't decide if it's age, or my body has been fighting something off. When I was on nights, I blamed my circadian rhythm being jacked up. Now I'm on days, which are far more labor intensive, but at least I sleep sort of normal hours. Anyway, thanks for responses! Sleepy time, now :)

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