Need tips for working double weekend

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 29, 2008

Although I worked weekend doubles for 2 years, it was at a nursing home.

I often carried a backpack with personal care items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, hairbrush, makeup, and so forth. It really helped my psyche to freshen up halfway through the shift.

Try to avoid caffeinated drinks during the last 6 hours of your shift, or you might not be able to fall asleep once you arrive home. Remember that you must return to work in a few hours if you're getting off at 10pm.

Stay hydrated during the shift, and always be sure to take your breaks. It really feels crappy when you are stuck in the same building for 16 hours without a break or lunch hour to regroup and see the scenery.

pachyta · May 29, 2008

Although I worked weekend doubles for 2 years, it was at a nursing home.
I often carried a backpack with personal care items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, hairbrush, makeup, and so forth. It really helped my psyche to freshen up halfway through the shift.
Try to avoid caffeinated drinks during the last 6 hours of your shift, or you might not be able to fall asleep once you arrive home. Remember that you must return to work in a few hours if you're getting off at 10pm.
Stay hydrated during the shift, and always be sure to take your breaks. It really feels crappy when you are stuck in the same building for 16 hours without a break or lunch hour to regroup and see the scenery.

I really appreciate your help...Is nothing like to have the fear of the unknown, but It is great to have people like you that "been there done that"...I will remember your tips my first day:nurse: thank you!!

KaroSnowQueen, RN · May 29, 2008

Also, get a good night's sleep the day prior to your double doubles. Have NOTHING scheduled for the day after your shifts end - be prepared to rest, eat, and rest some more.

Keep a favorite soft drink or snack in the car to eat on the way to or from.

Lay your clothes and grooming needs out for both days on the Friday before. Also pack both days lunches/suppers.

Be sure you have everything ready in advance as you will have precious little time to sleep between the two days' shifts, and you don't want to waste it on making lunches or finding a clean scrub top!!!!

If you are working nights, cover your bedroom windows with aluminum foil and tape, keep a fan running and unplug the phone to help you sleep well. If you live in a small town, or your relatives like to come over unannounced, put a sign on your door - Do Not Disturb.

Good luck!!!

pachyta · May 29, 2008

Also, get a good night's sleep the day prior to your double doubles. Have NOTHING scheduled for the day after your shifts end - be prepared to rest, eat, and rest some more.
Keep a favorite soft drink or snack in the car to eat on the way to or from.
Lay your clothes and grooming needs out for both days on the Friday before. Also pack both days lunches/suppers.
Be sure you have everything ready in advance as you will have precious little time to sleep between the two days' shifts, and you don't want to waste it on making lunches or finding a clean scrub top!!!!
If you are working nights, cover your bedroom windows with aluminum foil and tape, keep a fan running and unplug the phone to help you sleep well. If you live in a small town, or your relatives like to come over unannounced, put a sign on your door - Do Not Disturb.
Good luck!!!

Great advices!! Thank you very much...I will have those tips with me before I start...I feel less nervous already!!!:wink2:

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 29, 2008

Also, find out if you will be working alone, and if so, who do you call when you are in a crunch. You are a new nurse, and will need support even after those 4 days orientation.

pachyta · May 29, 2008

I will remember that...thanks a lot..Never thought about it!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 29, 2008

I would also start to update myself on the common medications that are administered to such a population. And, for the LTC nurses out there, I always wanted to know; how do you handle the Coumadin patients? How often are the INRs done? What do you do if it is not done as per policy? Is it weekly, bi-weekly, etc?? That, to me, is a biggie and a good question to ask. You don't want to be responsible for a patient bleeding out because they were not monitored. I remember a thread some time back about this, and it made me start to think...what would be done if I decided to work a second gig in LTC?

Also, what shifts you would be working would be important, because I heard that daytime and dinnertime may be the biggest med passes. You'd need to know how to manage your time, know how many patients you would be taking care of and how to prioritize their care. I have never worked in LTC, but these would be some of my many questions.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 29, 2008

And, for the LTC nurses out there, I always wanted to know; how do you handle the Coumadin patients? How often are the INRs done? What do you do if it is not done as per policy? Is it weekly, bi-weekly, etc??

I worked at one LTCF where the INRs were drawn once monthly, because this was the standing order (scary). The attending physician did not want to be bothered all the time with phone calls regarding the current PT/INR results.

At the other facilities where I've worked, it is typically drawn once weekly, or biweekly. If more than 1 week passes without any protimes/INR being drawn, I'll usually become leery and get a stat INR drawn before I give the next dose.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 29, 2008

my advice - don't work such long hours. I believe it is dangerous to you and to your patients. Good luck!

barefootlady, ADN, RN · May 29, 2008

Make sure you have comfortble shoes and an extra pair of them. Your feet will get plenty of exercise, they may swell and you need to have support but comfort too.

Extra socks too.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · May 29, 2008

Oh, I forgot, even if you are a nonsmoker, try to go outside during your break, even a few minutes will help give you a clearer head. Good luck.