12 Hr Shifts Kick My Butt

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I'm a new nurse and recently worked a 12 hour shift. I feel down right sore all over and only worked one day. Is this normal and does it get better??? I'm worried because I signed on for two years.

Well when I get tired of them, have been doing them for 9 yrs i just think about the fact that in a months time i only work 14 days (we do 84) and if i were to work 8 hour days i would have to work 20 or more days. plus when i want to take a week off i just plan it in my short week and i only miss 2 whole days.....but they do get tiring......drink lots and lots of water, good shoes, i wear nike shox, and healthy snacks

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I have worked both 12 hour shifts and 8 hour shifts. I never got used to 12 hour shifts. I have seen studies that report more med errors and care errors on 12 hour shifts.

Most states require overtime after 8 hours. By agreeing to 12 hour shifts, workers are waiving their legal rights. The 8 hour day was a significant victory for labor, I would not be inclined to give back that right.

I understand that nurses want to work fewer days per week. but where ever I have worked, I found that three 8 hour shifts per week will often get more pay for fewer hours than working three 12 hour shifts. Often the hospital is short staffed so by picking my spots with OT I can work 12 hours when I feel up to it. The Extra 4 hours is then time and a half.

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Specializes in ICU.

My first two weeks I was crazy sore, which surprised my because I hike, bike, and run a lot. But it was just a new kind of workout and my muscles got used to it. For shoes, I wear Asics or Etnies. Shoes are just one of those things you have to figure out on your own because everyone is different. I can't believe that so many nurses actually wear crocs. They kill my feet.

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Regarding good shoes...maybe try Danskos (the "Professional" kind). They might look a little strange and be expensive, but I think they're extremely well made and have the kind of firm cushioning that keeps my feet/legs from getting sore. And my feet are kind of flat, so that's saying something. I'm a nursing student and nursing assistant, and they kept my feet from getting sore during my 16-hour shift at the nursing home yesterday!:D

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Specializes in ICU.
Regarding good shoes...maybe try Danskos (the "Professional" kind). They might look a little strange and be expensive, but I think they're extremely well made and have the kind of firm cushioning that keeps my feet/legs from getting sore. And my feet are kind of flat, so that's saying something. I'm a nursing student and nursing assistant, and they kept my feet from getting sore during my 16-hour shift at the nursing home yesterday!:D

A lot of nurses I know swear by these. They are actually kind of cute and look a little more professional than sneakers.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

I swear by the Dansko professional shoes. I have posterior tibial tendonitis, for which I've had several surgeries to correct the source of the problem (congenital bone deformity "extra" bone in the area). I also were custom orthotics and a brace. The Danskos are wonderful shoes, tons of shock absorption, and a good arch as well. Very comfortable, very comfortable.

Regarding good shoes...maybe try Danskos (the "Professional" kind). They might look a little strange and be expensive, but I think they're extremely well made and have the kind of firm cushioning that keeps my feet/legs from getting sore. And my feet are kind of flat, so that's saying something. I'm a nursing student and nursing assistant, and they kept my feet from getting sore during my 16-hour shift at the nursing home yesterday!:D
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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
If you are working f/t after you adjust you will be grateful for th 12 hour shifts because you will love only having to go in 3 days a week. Try and take your breaks as you can even if it's just 5 minutes here and there. That can help. Keep quickie snacks handy so you can take a bite as needed...crackers, small pieces of cheese, nuts, grapes, etc. I also bring a whopping sized fresh brewed iced tea with me and keep it extra cold. Tastes great when you are tired and yucky.

Take a nice hot shower when you get home to relax your muscles and try to stretch in a hot shower before work too. Comfy shoes are a MUST.

My mouth is watering for the iced tea...I drink that often, myself.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I am in love with my podiatrist, I tell everyone about him. I told him that he is the only person I would leave my loving husband for. I have a perfect pair of orthotics and he gave me a note to wear sneakers, which I wear New Balance faithfully. Make sure that you wear support socks, good shoes. It means alot!!

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I am in love with my podiatrist, I tell everyone about him. I told him that he is the only person I would leave my loving husband for. I have a perfect pair of orthotics and he gave me a note to wear sneakers, which I wear New Balance faithfully. Make sure that you wear support socks, good shoes. It means alot!!

I have a podiatrist.. the first time it was a new grad and he took out my ingrown toe nail. It was all good for 4 months no inflamed.. until it grew back. Then I had the regular podiatrist come in and do it again.. it remained inflamed until I got it again. So I went in and had the SAME lady remove it, this time adding the solution that makes it not grow back. Having the luck I do, it grew back within 6 months and here I stand. The pain is damn escrutiating and don't want to go back and do it. The needle is what hurts the most. NEW GRAD DID BETTER JOB THAN SOMEONE WHO WAS ON THE JOB FOR 10+ years.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll definitely look in to buying some of the Danskos shoes.

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Danskos killed my feet. Not enough ankle support. Rolled my ankles and FELL. More than once.

I followed Pagnadeva's lead, went to a podiatrist (omg the cortisone shots saved my life!), got the orthotics and some New Balance shoes. So much better!

While waiting for the custom orthotics I got some at a high end comfort shoe store called Biosoles. They really are just as good as the customs for me.

As for the 12 hour shifts, the first couple weeks I though I was gonna die. It did get easier and after 5 months, they are not a problem at all. I actually like to do three in a row because it will usually be mostly the same patients all three days, making the work a little easier because you know their meds, their docs, their plans of care, etc.

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Specializes in ER, PACU, Med-Surg, Hospice, LTC.

I envy those that can handle the 12-hour shifts.

I HATED 12 hour shifts. I never got use to them either. It wasn't just a "12-hour-shift" for me, because I included the time it took me to get ready in the a.m., the commute and the constant (read "mandatory) OT. It completely burned me out. My days were more like 16 hours long. I always had a hard time sleeping and felt as though I never got enough hours of sleep. My back and feet killed me. Then on my days off, I was completely wiped out.

I changed to 10 hour shifts and cut my hours down to 30 per week. For me, it has been a life saver.

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