Keeping Focus during a 12 hr Shift

[rednotebook]

Hi all!

I am a student contemplating a nursing career and was just curious if you all have any tips to be focused your entire 12 hour shift? I have had internships in college where I am tired after only 8 hours, how do you manage to keep your physical and mental energy up for so long?

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

You typically keep pretty busy so for me I just don't realize how tired I am until I sit and relax. Plus you will build your stamina up..

[RNperdiem, RN]

Nursing is so busy, that time seems to go by quickly.

When I was a temp working in offices, time would go very slowly because I was bored much of the time. In those quiet, unstimulating offices I watched the clock until I could escape for lunch.

Temp office work didn't leave me tired so much as it left me weary.

Nursing has a different tempo in a way that I don't feel tired when working. I might feel it after I leave work.

My tips? Get enough sleep, eat a nourishing breakfast, keep physically fit, pace yourself and always try to take your full lunch break.

[CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN]

Break up the 12 hours into bites if you will. The first 4 are assessment, putting out fires and the dreaded 10am med pass from hades (on day shift the 10am pass is huge). The next 4 are for lunch (IMPORTANT), charting and followup. The last 4 are for even more charting and fire watch. In my case the last 4 also is the time I do wound care. In other words, keep yourself organized and the time flies.

[DonMcAllister]

I never had a problem with focus working 12 in the icu. In fact, I was so busy, I typically didn't eat until 2-3 usually. Between charting, hourly vital signs, issues arising, etc etc, 12 sometimes didn't feel like enough time. That being said, there were days where I had some down time. I usually read stuff online that I was interested in, helped out other nurses on the team, try to keep organized, etc. If you're having problem focusing, sleep of course is important, but also make sure you're not eating crappy food. Protein rich foods are the way to go. I remember eating cliff bars, which provide a bunch of energy.

[rednotebook]

You guys are awesome! Hopefully, if and when I get there, I'll build up the stamina too! As a former patient that has spent so much time in hospitals, that you for all that you do as nurses!