How does anyone do double shifts? I'm tired after 40 hours

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I just started a new job about a month ago, so I know I'm still getting into the swing of things, but I feel kind of silly for what's going on. I get 6-8 hours of sleep on work nights, I eat alright and do my best to manage my stress, but I feel dead to the world after my 4 shifts in a row (4 on, 2 off, 4 on, 1 off) that I have ended up taking a 2-3 hour nap shortly getting home after every string so far. I feel useless on my day off unless there's stuff I urgently have to do (laundry be damned!) so how is it that people pick up extra shifts and routinely do doubles? I know that some people have to do it for financial reasons but what I want to know is HOW? Is there some sort of magical trick that I'm missing?

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... I very rarely feel stressed at work and less often worried about anything.

Tee-hee. :)

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

I remember when I worked doubles, and even did allnight transport calls on our local volunteer ambulance, then one time after doing an allnighter, I was so tired I could barely move. That was when I got older, and my metabolism must have changed, because it took me three days to recover. Thankfully, I had common sense enough to stop going on all night transports. I did however still put in long hours at work in the summer especially, and couldn't wait for the school year to start, because there were regulated, and less hours of work then. :yes:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

I refused to do 16s when I was on 8s, and I refuse to stay until 2300 now that I'm on 12s. I know my limits.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... it took me three days to recover...

Hear ya.

I chill out most of Monday after my two doubles. And very light activity on Friday in preparation for the weekend marathon.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Hey, Fran. You still working FT / PT / PRN or retired?

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Tee-hee. :)

*** I don't get it.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

TIC, right? :)

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
Hey Fran. You still working FT / PT / PRN or retired?[/quote']Retired.
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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Good for you, F. Celebrate life!

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

I worked full time while going to nursing part time, and while I know it is not the same as working several 12 hour workshifts, my brain can handle some stress, but not sure if physically I would (I am so out of shape, I think I need to get the ball going and get in shape). I am not sure how I will even handle 12 hour shifts as a new nurse, I would be so afraid of making an error, that I am sure I will be slow. I so wish coffee would have an effect on me, but it does not even tickle me :nailbiting:

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I couldn't do it.

But there are people in the world who just seem to have boundless energy. We all know the type. Many are out there picking up the extra shifts the "tired ones" like us just can't conceive of doing. :)

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I did doubles but ONLY 3-11/11-7. It was LTC and union overtime laws dictated anything over 8 hours at once as time and a half so.... I did 4-5 doubles per week but I am highly organized, can move quickly and accurately, have great assessment skills, know how to work well with my CNA's, and by the time midnight rolled around I could sort of coast until about 4am. That was a unique situation but thats how I did it. I also had no children at the time and was not in school. If I tried that now I'd be in traction by hour 12.

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