Hypoglycemia on night shift -- advise please

[WestCoastSunRN, MSN, CNS]

Hi all,

I just started working nights 7p - 7a.

The other night I got caught up in work and didn't eat until 0330. I ate a starchy meal. I felt horrible right after. I tried returning to work and knew I was going to pass out. I recognized the symptoms as hypoglycemia and ate a serving of full sugar jello. I immediately started feeling better and within an hour felt great -- had no trouble finishing my shift well.

I haven't had hypoglycemia since being a young nurse (years ago). Back then I had to give up coffee and eat regular snacks to maintain good BS.

Fast forward to now: I did have one cup of coffee at beginning of shift (it's night shift!), and I also drank a good bit of water through shift. Obviously I know I needed to eat before I did. I also wasn't able to sleep before this first shift (I tried).

What's the best way to combat this?

Best sleep schedule?

Best snacks/meals to eat during shift?

I know nights poses the risk of health problems and I'm determined to do what I can to take care of myself and avoid problems as much as possible.

I don't plan on being on nights forever but might need to for a year or more.

Advice welcomed!!

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

This may border on medical advice, but I find in general the best way to maintain good nutrition throughout a shift is to pack snacks in individual baggies that are prepared and ready to eat. Combine carbs and protein. Think single serving containers of peanut butter you could dip carrots or apple slices (precut at home) in, baggies of nuts and raisins, pretzels with cheddar slices, wholesome granola bars, and Greek yogurt. One can down a Greek yogurt in 2 minutes. Also make sure you're keeping up with the water intake. Hopefully you don't work at a facility that's very harsh about snacks and water bottles at the desk.

[WestCoastSunRN, MSN, CNS]

Thanks Blondi. I do not think your advise borders on medical advice.

But rather sounds well within the scope of nursing, and good common sense too. So thank you for the tips. I will try to be better prepared. And my place of work is great. They don't want me passing out! They would have no problem with me eating/drinking at my cubbie.

[NurseCard, ADN]

Since this is a problem nurses face regularly, i.e. not getting a chance to

eat while working.. I feel this is a very valid post.

I think you know what to do... eat snacks throughout your shift!

Small, easy to eat snacks that are packed with protein and complex

carbs. Cheese and whole wheat crackers. Peanuts with wheat chex.

Peanut butter crackers. Ham sandwich on whole wheat. Keep them

all right by your cubbie/computer/work station.

[datalore]

I keep a ziplock baggie in one pocket of my scrub pants, one that is covered by my top anyway, but I hide a granola bar or something in there for when I'm on hold on the phone for a minute or charting furiously and I don't want to run all the way to grab something... anyway, I hide snacks on my person like a squirrel. It helps.