I need a pick-me-up!

[NightNurseRN13]

Working shift 5/5 and normally have no issues staying awake. I'm caffeinated up, but my eyes are getting heavier and heavier. What are some things you do to find that second wind? Or third, fourth, fifth wind?

Jumping jacks or lunges usually work for me, but not this time.

[kungpoopanda]

Can you take a break for 20 minutes and have a power nap? Very often that tiny snooze is enough to get you through the remaining hours. There is a lot of research out atm about nurse fatigue and strategies to combat it. I know the latest edition of "Nursing" mentioned it and and I think AJN too.

[NightNurseRN13]

Unfortunately I can't. I do private duty so I'm the only one there. I got off 20 min. ago and of course wide awake now. That may have to do with me falling on my patients sidewalk due to the ice storm we had though.

[NightNurseRN13]

Guess I needed a different kind of pick me up that time.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Guess I needed a different kind of pick me up that time.

You are too funny.

I will go and freshen up. I will wash my face or brush my teeth. I wear light make up so I will freshen up, powder my nose...fluff my hair. Wipe off your neck, fresh deodorant Go and stand out side for a few seconds if the patient can be safety left.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

5 pm to 5 am? Without a break?

You don't need a pick me up you need a new job.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

In private duty you usually don't get....breaks per se. There are down times...but you are stuck with the patient especially at night.

[NightNurseRN13]

5/5 meant 5th shift out of 5 days in a row. I do mostly 8 hour shifts, sometimes 12. You never get a "break", but I'm in someones home with private duty nursing so unlimited bathroom visits, snacks, as long as the patient is sleeping I can watch a movie/TV, play games. etc., but that still doesn't prevent you from getting sleepy.. especially after 5 days going strong.