stress symptoms at the end of shift

[MelodyRNurse]

Does anyone else get all mixed up at the end of shift-misspelling words, stuttering, thinking one word and another comes out, and even increased forgetfulness?? I think everything just starts to run together or something. Is it just me???

[MelodyRNurse]

I appreciate the info, but unless you made a mistake on which thread you posted that info, you have made quite an assumption. I can, however, understand that from reading that post on your end, you may assume otherwise. I don't do drugs and I only drink occasionally-and by that I mean like once a month.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Does anyone else get all mixed up at the end of shift-misspelling words, stuttering, thinking one word and another comes out, and even increased forgetfulness?? I think everything just starts to run together or something. Is it just me???

Yep, at the end of a tough shift, I'm constantly searching for words and substituting, "you know, that.... thing" when I can't recall them. I've noticed that other nurses do the same thing and we'll just laugh and say, "Sorry, I have FBS" -- fried brain syndrome -- and we continue along. It helps if you're giving report to someone who is not making you more anxious, so I always try to be patient and let the nurse reporting off give me her whole spiel before asking questions and if she can't recall something, I tell her not to worry, I'll get the info from the chart/patient/computer, whatever. No problemmo.

About the only way I've found to combat the problem is to write everything down. Time-consuming, but it helps to keep me organized.

[MelodyRNurse]

Thank you. I am so relieved to know I am not losing it.

Thanks for the tip too, I'll try it...

[hikernurse]

It happens to me all the time. Especially after a night shift. Sometimes I worry the oncoming nurse feels like she got report from a moron .

[IowaKaren]

And I thought it was just me, hehe.

[nursecoachUK]

This can happen esaily when you are tired and avoerworked - also make sure your energy is managed as well as you can - eat low GI foods to keep your brain well-fed with energy over long periods.

Nuts are good and dried fruit, whole grain foods and regular eating!

Claire

[suzy253, RN]

Yes, that happens to me at times too. It's usually after an extremely busy shift (I work 3-11) and I have difficulty pronouncing the patient's names even!

[AussieTina]

Yep me too :)

Especially after doing a late/early (1430-2300, then back at 0700 - 1530)

[ONCRN84]

Yup. After my 3rd or 4th 12 hr night shift in a row, I get like that.

Sometimes, if I try to come back for a 5th, I get physically ill. Headaches, nausea, dry heaves. Last time that happened, I went home sick at 11, slept for 5 hours, and woke up feeling like a whole new person. That's how I knew it was fatigue.