tips on how to survive 12 hr shifts.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2009

Good shoes are a must.....I have found that I also need arch supports, the highest they make. Have to buy a pair about q3 months because they break

down so quickly. Stay hydrated with H20. Just takes a little getting use

to these shifts. I still find them very very tiring but much better than 5 days

a week. Good luck

diane227, LPN, RN · Jan 31, 2009

I have been at nursing for 30 years and you could not get me to work a 12 hour shift, even if they paid me double time.

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2009

I have been at nursing for 30 years and you could not get me to work a 12 hour shift, even if they paid me double time.

You know, I'm glad to see someone I agree with. I have to work 12s cause when you're a travel nurse, they tell you what your schedule is, you cant turn down a job just cause you dont like 12s. And if I go ICU, they wont even offer 8s. But I dont like 12s.

IDK, when I work 12s, I feel like the whole day is just gone. I especially cant do 3 in a row, which starting tommorow I will do. I hate going in to work 12 when I just did 12.

When I go staff, if I can, I will be asking for 8s. You go home, eat, do something. Doesnt give you that feeling that you live at work. I've always felt this way. People tell me I am nuts, but I dont care. I think my attitude about things would improve if I were doing all 8s.

Anyway, to answer the question, I survive by staying in motion. I work nights and refuse to sit. I split up my documentation just so I dont sit too long. The less I think about the clock, the better off I am. You'll notice the nurses who just pass meds then sit are the unhappy ones. They cant get their mind off the clock is why.

Kiwi Ali · Jan 31, 2009

I like 12 hour nights because people are awake when you come on shift!

I work part time in a samll rural hospital birthing unit.

Yes and agree with the water, keep hydrated :-)

Batman24 · Jan 31, 2009

Good shoes, lots of water, and healthy snacks throughout the day. Sit whenever you can even when it's for a minute or two. And remember to pee!! lol

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2009

Good shoes, lots of water, and healthy snacks throughout the day. Sit whenever you can even when it's for a minute or two. And remember to pee!! lol

OMG funny. And we do need reminding to pee too. I have gotten into the habbit of doing so before I walk home or I am cranky when I get home.

RNin10 · Jan 31, 2009

When I go staff, if I can, I will be asking for 8s. You go home, eat, do something. Doesnt give you that feeling that you live at work.

Personally, I went from 12s to 8s and it still feels like you live at work! :cry: I want to go back to 12s!

I agree with the other tips, especially the good shoes and arch supports! Try the Spencos. Goodluck!

Triage24 · Jan 31, 2009

Involve yourself in your work. Don't dwell on the time. Time always seems to go faster that way. Good shoes are a must. Many nurses will not agree with me on this, but I eat as late as possible. I always in the last 4 hours. Have done so for years. That way when I get back to work after my lunch break I am pretty much done.

ScrubMan0416 · Jan 31, 2009

personally i don't mind working 12 hour shifts! it gives me the opportunity to work full time (36 hours a week) and go to school full time (13 credits per semester). the only problem i have encountered is how to transition from friday/saturday nightshift (1845-0715) to being awake for class at 0800 monday morning. still trying to work out the kinks (3 years in training).

iheartchocolate · Jan 31, 2009

I have to say that 12 hr shifts are long, but I still think it's better to be there 3 days a week rather than 5 days a week in which you would feel like you're living there. Sometimes I swim with a master's swim team before a 12 hour shift or go for a run. I exercise a lot during my off days and this will give you the energy, endurance and stress control for 12 h shifts.

The other advice is great about good shoes (Danskos, Z-coils, or just putting supportive insoles in your regular shoes). Also, I drink at least 2 liters of water a day and sometimes 3 if I have been exercising a lot. It's makes a world of difference if you're well hydrated. Just bring a water bottle with you to work. You can also carry portable snacks like nuts or dried fruit for when you're starving and can't eat yet. I also mentally break up the shift into 4ths or 3rds or I tell myself half way done, now do it again and I can go home. Stay busy so it goes by more quickly.

Hope this helps a little!

April, RN, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2009

I find that the first part of the day, before I eat lunch, goes by fast. It seems like 4pm-7pm really drag on and I usually need a coffee around then to keep me going.