tips on how to survive 12 hr shifts.

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Feb 1, 2009

When I was doing 12s it was basically go to lunch after everyone else so the day would go by faster. Good shoes are a must if nothing else. I have had good luck with nike shox with insoles. couldn't do it without the insoles. Now I am doing 8s pt and actually worked full time 8s for a couple of weeks and it killed me. I think i would have stayed with the 12s if there weren't 3 day weekends or it was just 3 days a week. where i was it was mostly 84 hrs and since i was the only charge they wouldn't let me drop to just 3 instead of 4 so i got burned out. It also depends on home situation. My kids are actually doing better with me doing 8s. eat breakfast before you go, snack 1/4 in between, then lunch , then snack then home. drink lots of water and make sure to pee

soulofme · Feb 1, 2009

HI, I am starting my first nursing job on 12 hr shifts. What do you guys do to keep your energy level within that 12 hr period. any special diet/vitamins, exercise etc that you do?. I am just a little nervous that I won't be able to keep up that long and I've never done any 12 hr shifts before. Anyone? thanks

Turn off the alarm clock and go back to sleep:yawn: :sleep:

HotDrew · Feb 1, 2009

I've found that chugging cans of Red Bull helps. Stimulants also help me, like No-Doz or things with epinephrine like those diet pills to give me my edge back.

jojo85 · Feb 1, 2009

i just work about 2 months, and work in hospital (ER) and pediatric clinic, i don't mind work for s...coz im hunting experience and improve my nursing skill.

so what i do; drink alot we never forget to take a milk on evening shift, snack...shoes important !...in my ward we 'r using sandal. if i got my time at home i sleep all the time....zzzzzzZZZZ....and watching dvd at home. no time go out!...i prefer to rest at home

sometimes i miss my time with my friend in out there.. but i don't mind coz i got my nu atmosphere at hospital and clinic. my 2nd home!

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2009

I do three 14 hr shifts and it kicks my butt.

Comfortable shoes, medical grade compression socks, plenty of caffinated hydration, and taking your breaks are a must.

SunnyAndrsn · Feb 1, 2009

Dansko shoes are the best.

Consider buying a pair or three of knee hi ted hose, they help with leg fatigue, especially if you are doing the 12's in a row.

Pack a snack to eat on the way home to avoid junk food.

Eat a decent meal before you go in, pack a good lunch, and drink lots and lots of water.

Good planning at home too, so you can spend your off time relaxing.

jjensen · Feb 3, 2009

I love 12 hour shifts. When I work 8, I feel like my day is not long enough...lol

I need good shoes, lots of coffee and sitting when possible. I have been doing 12's for so long and my day is spaced out nicely. You will get the hang of it. I like knowing that I only have to work 3 days a week and get 4 off...

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2009

I find it unbelievable that some people think 12-hour shifts are "long." I have been working 16-hour weekend double shifts on Saturday and Sunday for the past 3 years and wouldn't have it any other way. When I worked the five 8-hour shifts per week, I felt as if I had no life outside work.

Anyhow, eating 3 to 4 small meals spaced out every 3 hours helps with the energy level and metabolism. Stay hydrated with water, diet soda, or tea. A good pair of shoes is imperative. Always take your breaks, no matter how busy you might become.

starletRN · Feb 18, 2009

So, does anyone here work 3 12s and then every other weekend? And if so, do you end up with 5-6 12s in a row that way?

Michael_65 · Feb 18, 2009

I love this thread. I am a recent graduate (May, '08 - yeah!), and I oriented on 8-hr. days because that was when the best available preceptor worked, but then recently switched to 12-hr. nights, 7P-7A.

I am still having trouble adapting to the schedule. Comfy shoes help. Also, I take 2 short breaks instead of 1 long break, and I eat 2 small meals instead of 1 big one.

I also find that stretching helps. Once an hour, I try to take a minute to do some leg stretches, or a quick Yoga asana, like the "nataraja".

Keep the suggestions coming!

melz34 · Feb 18, 2009

Take some water with you this is a must have on a 12hr shift comfortable footwear always helps me also get plenty of rest before your shift starts this usually fights of tiredness anyway good look with your 12hr shifts

Flare, ASN, BSN · Feb 18, 2009

Good shoes are a must. Also - try to make a game plan for the entire shift -a good note page can help for that. Also - check your med cart as soon as possible and call the pharmacy right away for any missing meds - even if they're not due until towards the end of your shift.

When i worked 12 hour nights, I tried to plan on having a small high protein snack shortly before sunrise. For some reason the rising sun would remind my body that i wasn't designed to be up all night and i would feel exhausted around sunrise, but the high protein snack (a hard boiled egg or a little cheese or peanut butter) seemed to stop that feeling. I also invested in a small red LED penlight. The red light didn't wake up patients unnecessarily but provided enough light for me to change an iv bag, hand an antibiotic or whatever i needed to do for the patient without having to wake them up.