Is it normal to be so tired on days off after working 3 12s?
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What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)
Members are discussing the physical and mental exhaustion experienced after working three 12-hour shifts in a row in the emergency department. Some members suggest seeking medical advice to rule out any underlying issues, while others recommend adjusting water intake, exercise routines, and sleep habits. There is also advice on managing mental stress, discussing the impact on personal relationships, and considering alternative work schedules.
I work day shift in ER, 3 days a week 12 hr shifts. I don't work more than 2 days in a row. While the job itself is tough, I physically feel alright while at work. I wear compression stockings to ease pain to my feet, and I drink max of 2 cups of coffee throughout the day. I come home from work, take a shower, and thats when the fatigue starts setting in. The weird part is that I can't fall asleep. I can be physically exhausted but I can't sleep until 2-3 AM. The next day I wake up at around 10-11am and I'm exhausted all throughout the day. I can barely get myself up to eat, not to mention to do any house chores. The next day off, same thing. I'm so exhausted on my days off, just physically drained. Just wondering if anyone else who works 3 12's feels like this? I was thinking maybe it's the adrenaline, my body gets so tired the first few days that I dont have the energy to get through the rest of the week? Could that even be possible? My husband doesn't get it, he thinks I'm just being lazy :( But I really physically feel like a very old lady. I just want to hear your thoughts if you had this type of experience and if you did, how do you deal with it? PS: Im 26 y.o, no medical conditions.
Agree with the previous advice—I work days 6a-6p in the ED and when I do 3 in a row, I’m tired the first day off. But if you’re feeling exhausted, maybe you should see your PCP for a thyroid check, make sure this isn’t a symptom of something more insidious going on.
Try and space out the shifts if you can. It might help. Or consider if they offer a different midday shift—can you switch to that? I was less tired working afternoons 2p-2a then I am working nights or days.
Specializes in Neurosciences, stepdown, acute rehab, LTC.
Yes like someone else said , water !! It feels like I have a hangover after 2 or more days on but it gets better if I’m hydrated. I think it’s normal to be that tired after three in a row. I prefer like Monday Wednesday Thursday schedule, it gives me the feeling of days off but I have that one day in between to regroup. Up on the regular floors it’s kinda nice not to risk having a bad group for 3 days in a row as well
Agree on everything - check your water intake, try to establish some kind of exercise routine, and see your doctor about your symptoms. I think most of us need a recovery dat after working a couple shifts in a row, and I definitely go through periods where im just exhausted no matter what.
Also, it sounds like a conversation needs to happen with your husband. That is the biggest slap in the face to be called lazy, especially since you work hard at work. Plus, it's not like you want to be half-asleep for most of your days off; it's distressing and it sounds like you do want to be up doing things. Tell him you're trying to figure out how to balance everything, and he needs to be supportive of you while you do it. Things at home might take a little longer to get done, and guess what? It's fine. Everyone and everything is fine, even if it takes a little longer to do laundry or clean the bathroom or go grocery shopping.
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
What other peoples' bodies will happily do might not work for you. I did 2 stints of 12 hour shifts in my whole career; both times when I was being precepted and had to be on my preceptor's schedule. Otherwise I avoided 12 hour shifts like the plague. Other people loved them and wouldn't work any other way.
The level of exhaustion you are describing sounds overwhelming. I hope you can find another unit, another shift, another something. I won't suggest another husband just yet, but perhaps a Come-to-Jesus chat is in order. Good luck!
I have the same exact issue. I am always exhausted outside of my shifts and can sleep for HOURS. I have been to multiple doctors because it was never like this before. I started feeling exhausted, foggy headed, bad memory/poor concentration, bloating, depressed mood, all during nursing school, and now about 6 months into my first nursing job it still follows me. I'm 22 years old, no PMH besides anxiety, and LPR. Sucks, but maybe it'll get better :/.
pluckyduck, MSN, NP
41 Posts
Agree with the previous advice—I work days 6a-6p in the ED and when I do 3 in a row, I’m tired the first day off. But if you’re feeling exhausted, maybe you should see your PCP for a thyroid check, make sure this isn’t a symptom of something more insidious going on.
Try and space out the shifts if you can. It might help. Or consider if they offer a different midday shift—can you switch to that? I was less tired working afternoons 2p-2a then I am working nights or days.