Nurses and 12-Hour Shifts - How to Make the Best of Them
Twelve hour shifts have been gaining popularity with nurses and hospitals for some time now. The 12-hour nursing shift began in the 1970's when it was implemented to retain staff during the national nursing shortage. Twelve- hour shifts allow nurses more time at home, however there are some who are not in favor of working these long hours. If you are a 12-hour shift worker, read about how you can make the most of your long shifts. Take the poll at the end of the article to let us know how you feel about 12-hour shifts.
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Whether you love them or hate them, 12-hour shifts are here to stay. For many new nurses, the thought of working a 12-hour shift can be overwhelming, intimidating and nerve-racking. But don't panic. Here are a few things you can do to make the most out of your 12-hour shift.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is one thing most nurses don't get enough of, and yet it is one of the most important things a nurse should do. Getting adequate sleep will make you more alert, recharged, and feel better all around, which will make your 12-hour shift a lot easier to manage. Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more.
Eat a Nutritious Meal
Whether your 12-hour shift begins in the morning or at night, eating a nutritious meal before your shift is vital. It is also important to remember to eat a meal during your shift instead of just snacking. Make sure your meals consist of foods that give you energy with healthy carbs and lean proteins such as Greek yogurt, whole grains, blueberries, eggs, nuts, and lean meats. Don't forget about vegetables. Dark leafy greens are a great source of vitamins and fiber.
Drink Enough Water
Because you are constantly moving, it is easy to become dehydrated during a 12-hour shift. Although your bladder may not appreciate this, it is important to drink water throughout your shift . With all the hustle and bustle of being a nurse, it might be hard for you to find the time to drink water, so we recommend that you keep a water bottle near by if you can.
Buy Good Shoes
Although good supportive shoes do cost a pretty penny, your back and feet will thank you for investing in a good pair of shoes! Healthy feet are among a nurse's most important assets. Working long hours on your feet make proper footgear not only helpful, but essential. Do your research before buying shoes. Ask your fellow nurses what brand and type of shoe they like best for work. When shopping for shoes, go to a shoe store with knowledgeable staff such as Scheels, Sports Authority, Dick's Sporting Goods, or Foot Locker. Sometimes, gel inserts or orthotics are necessary for comfort as well. This is especially true if you have flat feet, pronounced arches, or bad knees. The right shoes can help nurses focus solely on their patients instead of on tired and achy feet.
Take Breaks
One of the biggest concerns over the length of a 12 hour shift is fatigue, and its effect on safety and patient care. To alleviate fatigue, make sure you take your breaks. Sometimes, it is difficult to do, however, simply walking outside around the block, going off the floor and doing deep breathing, grabbing a yogurt or a protein snack, all helps to keep you alert.
Look on the Bright Side
You are doing the career of your dreams - the career you worked hard for in nursing school. Most of all, you are helping people that need your care. Let the knowledge that you are caring for people who are in great need of the skills that only a nurse can provide carry you through your shift. For those 12 hours they are under your care, be proud of the fact that you are their nurse.
Your first 12-hour shift may be a lot to handle at first but if you follow these tips, you may find in the future that you prefer 12 hour shifts over 8 hour shifts.
Do you have any advice for a nurse that is new to 12-hour shifts?
