Sleepy driving, near miss

[Kitiger, RN]

This happened about 20 years ago, and I made some changes in what hours I would accept, and when.

I had worked a split shift, 4 hours on, 4 hours off, and 8 hours on, with a 25 minute commute. I was driving home in the morning, with the cruise control on. The speed limit had been 55 MPH. It slowed to 45 MPH as I approached town ...except I didn't notice.

I thought to myself, "Hmm, I seem to be going faster than usual ... Looks like there's a traffic signal up ahead ... The light is red ...

THE LIGHT IS RED!!

I slammed on the breaks, gripping the steering wheel with all my strength! Heart thumping, eyes wide open, gasping!

I stopped just in time.

I made some changes: first, no split shifts ending in a night shift unless I have at least 5 hours at home inbetween, so I can sleep at least 4 hours before the night shift.

I don't use use the cruise control if I am even a little bit tired.

If I work all night, I curfew myself at noon. I will not be responsible for anyone other than myself. That means no work shifts, and no driving.

If I then sleep for 4 hours, then I'm "drivable" for the next 4 hours, but I won't schedule another shift until I have a chance to sleep at least 6 hours.

When I'm well-rested, I can cut myself some slack, but I usually follow these rules to live by.

How do you handle driving after a long shift?

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

Luckily, I've never had that problem. No matter how dead and tired I feel at work, I instantly feel very alert and excited when it's time to clock out. I sing and car dance all the way home.