New CCU Step-Down Nurse, Need Advice

[knurse10]

I have worked in an outpatient clinic for 5 years and am transitioning to a CCU Step-Down Unit with Telemetry. The posts on this site have been great and I am definitely mentally preparing myself to be overwhelmed for the next 6 months to 1 year. I am still really excited though, but would like advice on something not related to the unit...

My current job has an 8 hour shift with a 1 hr lunch break. I know, very cush. With my new job, I will be working 12 hr shifts with maybe a 15 min break, if that. I have no idea what to bring to work and how to bring it to work as far as food, personal items, etc. I guess I am asking if you all bring a big bag of stuff to work that has food and other essentials in it. Do you bring a small cooler? Any advice would be much appreciated. I think I will be working and evening or night shift.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I work in an ICU, and I usually take my 30 min break (usually not the 15 min paid ones). If I don't get it, I do make sure I get paid for it!!

I work 1500-2330 however, and our cafeteria closes at 1830, so I do anticipate not getting to take my break on time for that. So I bring my own food. I usually bring either leftovers or a frozen meal (love the Amy's ones!) that can be reheated easily, and then some fruit and something sweet (I love me a lowcarb muffin -- I use the cake recipe from Bob's Mill almond flour, but w Splenda instead of sugar. Sometimes add cocoa powder for a chocolate muffin.)