The first day off after 12's

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 12, 2012

It's pretty common. Many people look at the prospect of working 3 12-hour shifts per week and think, "Yipee! I get 4 days off each week!" and imagine all the fun they will have on the other 4 days ... the reality is that most have to use some of that "off time" as "recovery time." Plan for it.

Though, in my experience, it gets a little better as you acclimate to the 12-hour schedule. It's usually worse in the beginning.

Good Morning, Gil · Sep 12, 2012

Do you work nights? I know this is common for night shift nurses, and happens to me, too :). I have noticed that as I changed specialties, I am more tired than I was before. My job in the ICU is just more demanding physically, emotionally, mentally, so I'm sure that has something to do with it, but it is also that much more rewarding. Also, I think the longer you work nights, the worse it gets sleep-wise (for the people who aren't "natural" night shifters, which most people probably fit into this category).

Just do what you have to do, rest, but make sure you make sleep a priority in between shifts, as well.

What you're describing is why some nurses prefer 8 hour shifts to 12's.

Nurse ABC · Sep 12, 2012

No I only work days which is one reason I was so surprised of how tired I've been! I've been doing it almost three months and just havent gotten used to it. I'm on my feet 90% of the 12 hrs si I'm sure that's not helping either!

RubySlippers06 · Sep 12, 2012

Do you exercise regularly? I notice when I put the gym on the back burner I tend to stay on the couch more. I think you can always improve your diet and exercise. (the you is a generalized you)

Nurse ABC · Sep 12, 2012

No I don't but that's a great idea and I have been planning to start exercising again because I miss it and think it could help. I'm not overweight and I watch what I eat but I have been majorly been slacking in the exercise area since beginning this job due to the stress, exhaustion, and pain.

lindseylpn · Sep 12, 2012

I've worked 3 12s in a row on night shift for years and my 1st day off is always rough. I always sleep a few hours that day and then again at night, I can sleep like 12-14 hours and its hard to wake up the next day too. I always try to not make any plans that first day off but, some people don't understand they think you can sleep a few hours and are good to go.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Sep 13, 2012

Maybe I'm tougher than I thought. When I was in my late 40's I worked 3-4 16 hour shifts and one or two 8 hour shift in the same week.

wooh, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2012

I've always found that the day after a shift that I'm completely useless. That's why I like working as many days in a row together. It will take a day to recover from one shift or six shifts. So to limit recovery days, work all my days together. Once I take myself into work, I'm fine. But at home, if I have the option of sitting on the couch all day, I absolutely WILL sit on the couch all day.

ComeTogether, LPN · Sep 13, 2012

Ohhh yes. I need 24-48 hrs to recover. If you don't work along side a good cna I can see this happening to RNs as well. I'm hoping my brain will be more tired than my body by the time I get there. Hot baths alway make me feel better.

"No day but today"

liveyourlife747 · Sep 13, 2012

Whew. Makes me feel so much better that I'm not the only one who can't get moving on my days off! Lol. :)

Nurse ABC · Sep 13, 2012

That makes me feel better too that my wagon's not the only one draggin'! :)