12 Hour Shifts and What to Bring?

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Hey everyone! I am starting my first nursing job on Monday. I'll be doing 3 12 hour shifts. I was wondering if anyone has tips on stuff to pack for lunch/dinner that keeps you energized during your long shifts? Thanks so much!

:)

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I like protein bars because they keep me full. I also like trail mix, nuts, or baby carrots. Those all keep my stomach full and they prevent me from snacking on unhealthy things and gaining weight. For energizing... I just drink coffee. One cup a couple hours in and a second cup a few hours before I get off so I can power through those last few hours. Try to drink plenty of water too!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

My usual go to items are: baby carrots, pretzels, Greek yogurt, bananas, apple slices, sliced strawberries, PB & J sandwich, salad, bell peppers, leftovers from dinner the night before, protein shakes, fiber One bars & apple sauce.

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

Water bottle so you have no excuse not to drink, consider cooking up a storm the day before if you are doing 3 in a row invest in pyrex or the like for containers if you are going to be microwaving food, if your break room doesn't have condiments stash some in your locker, my break room you can never find a fork so keep a set of cutlery as well. The tea and coffee that are provided are cheap and nasty so depending on your own taste you may want some in your locker. Seeing as I have you stashing so much in your locker :) get a clear plastic container with a lid to hold it all as a bag tends to get full of random bits and bobs. I also keep an emergency can of tuna and crackers in there as well in case I've forgotten to bring lunch or a colleague has.

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Definitely lots of water. It's so easy to become dehydrated doing 3 12s

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i always have protein bar in my pocket, bottle water which i refill every now and then, and lunch box (leftovers from dinner). Sometimes I don't have time to eat, so I always bring protein drink.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Hey everyone! I am starting my first nursing job on Monday. I'll be doing 3 12 hour shifts. I was wondering if anyone has tips on stuff to pack for lunch/dinner that keeps you energized during your long shifts? Thanks so much!

:)

Energizing drink/seltzer/water

Granola/protein bar

Fruit (watermelon, grapes, cherries)

Pretzels

Soup in the bowl (I've found some organic healthy versions)

Leftover dinner

Pizza

I drink caffeinated tea at the beginning of the shift if working nights

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Fruit, nuts, tuna, hard boiled eggs, chick peas and lots of water.

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