How to survive a 12 hour shift?

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I'm in my final semester of nursing school! :yeah:

My practicum assignment is a 12 hour shift in the CVICU. Up until now, my clinicals have been approximately 8 hours.

I would appreciate any tips on how to keep going for 12 hours. Specifically, I'm worried about starving to death! I know you guys must have some tips!

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Specializes in Neurosciences, Med-Surg-CNA.

Eat a good breakfast, like fruit yogurt and granola, eat lunch around 12, then have a snack around 3 or 4, like crackers or something. Normally I am to busy to follow my eating schedule, but this is what I try to do...lol. Always bring extra snacks just in case. It will fly by, 12 hour shifts reallt aren't that bad. In fact, I LOVE them!! Let us know how it goes!

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I just wake up knowing that my entire day is devoted to the hospital. I bring an abundance of healthy foods and drink lots of caffeine. I've worked a few 8 hr shifts and they actually seem to go by slower because I'm constantly looking at the clock. You will get used to it!

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Specializes in Emergency, Critical Care (CEN, CCRN).

Seconding what's been said about having a snack available. I also precepted on CV-SICU, and I got into the habit of carrying either an energy bar or a pack of peanut butter crackers in my pocket, something I can bolt down in thirty seconds and go back to work. I'm sure I don't have to tell you about the wonders of caffeine, either. :D

Also, don't discount the importance of hydration. Pretty much every place I've been, you can duck into the patient pantry and get a cup of water from the dispenser. It's usually cold enough to drink without ice, too.

12-hour shifts are no tougher than 8s - actually, I'd argue they're easier because you have more time to devote to patient care. Especially on a CV-SICU, that's a wonderful luxury!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

coffee. granola bars. water.... i used to work in an CVICU in a small hospital granted it wasnt really that busy, but the coffee and granola bars really got me thru the days.

u'll be ok.

i actually like working 12. u can get quite a bit of work done and build a nice rapport with ur patients if theyre AAOx3 hehe.

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Well I'm happy to announce that I survived my senior practicum! :yeah:

I agree with one of the previous commentators, 12 hour shifts are a breeze. I feel nice and tired when I'm done, but I get a ton of work done.

The hunger issue was no big deal, I would eat a good breakfast, have a snack before and after lunch, and eat a sizable lunch. I would have dinner as soon as I got home.

So this was definitely a success, and I can't wait to start practicing.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Home Health, LTC.

I would make a superfood smoothie: Hemp protein powder, green superfoods, fresh bee pollen, blueberries, and any other

raw or super foods in my kitchen that would taste good. It is always made with organic ingredients. This would last me from 7am till 3-4pm when I could take a break and eat a sandwich or tofu burger.

Also would keep almonds or walnuts handy.

So always you will find your energy level relating to nutrition. If you eat processed foods you will feel processed. You are what you eat. Make food your medicine:-)

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never mind! I just read your post about finishing up :)

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