Lunch Break

[johnson0424]

I know most of us nurses dont even know what a lunch break is...but i try to eat and run (that is why i eat so fast)..What is a good snack or meal that helps you w/ hunger and also helps keep you going??? I have heard protein bars help with this...any suggestions?

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

I've HEARD there are days on my unit where lunch breaks (and pee breaks) don't happen, but I haven't actually seen that day.

[infectionRN]

I found that eating a breakfast bar(Zone bar) I am not hungry until 4p, by then I am on my way home.

[pickledpepperRN]

How about everyone on the unit documenting why you can't get a break?

Then ALL put in for overtime?

[burn out]

You can't take care of someone elses needs unless your own needs are met first. Being hypoglycemic I can not be adequately caring for anyone, that is why all of us on my unit make breakfast and lunch a priority for all of us. If one is going to the cafeteria they will get breakfast for the others. If one dosen't get to eat lunch then no one eats lunch until that person is able to also.

[KellNY, RN]

I 3rd my vote for luna bars (though I prefer the Smores, Peppermint stick and peanut butter cookie).

also--

A small tupperware full of chickpeas w/a little house italian dressing

Nuts (peanuts, walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, etc)

Slim fast bars

Cheese cubes (I personally like cheddar and/or monterey jack) great when paired with whole grain crackers or similar

Granola with yogurt

Beef jerky (just make sure you have water--that stuff is salty!)

When I need coffee, I make it with about half milk, half coffee, so not only do I get a caffeine boost, but I get the protein from the milk. I find that helps me go longer than coffee with just a little milk.

Hope this helps!

kelly

[onconurseRT]

2 bottles of gatorade.

On my floor there is this "Strict" policy of no food or drinks anywhere in sight of the rooms, desks, etc. We are not even allowed a bottle of water on the unit. It has to be neatly tuck away in our lockers which are in the break room clear on the other end of the hospital- literally! HOWEVER, I carry 1 bottle of gatorade with me and the other I hide behind a printer until I am ready for it. I work 8 hour shifts and that is my only chance for consumption. I could care less about the policy in place and I have made it clear that I either drink the gatorade or I will visit the ER each and every time I get off of work because I am hypoglycemic and dehydrated. I burn the glucose, calories and fluids too quickly! I lose about 2 lbs every time I work and I spend my days off trying to gain it back! :uhoh3:

Good luck to you!

[gatherswool]

I'm a big fan of the Lemon Luna bars, but I pretty much live on good old graham crackers and peanut butter, especially on 3-11p. Some nights they taste extra good because the hospital paid for them, and some nights they taste extra good because I tell myself I'm essentially stealing food from the patients. Either way, they're always extra good...

(Kidding about my motives, but not my fondness for graham crackers and peanut butter.... )