Too Busy to.....

Luv2BAnurse · May 20, 2008

Sometimes it can be a challenge to take a break. I know that I have been that busy when working the floor. I think we just don't want to get behind by taking a break, but it can be done. Most units have a policy that you leave your patients in the care of another nurse while you are on break.

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 20, 2008

I work in a clinic, and even there, there are times that I am so distracted that I don't get a chance to go to the bathroom, and at times, I do get a bit hypo (not diabetic). What I do (and I know it is against the rules), is hide a few snacks in my office drawer, or in my pockets. I don't eat in front of the patients I see, but in between, if I get a bit lightheaded, I will sneak a piece. There are many times in a nurses' career where you either cannot get a lunch, or don't get a complete hour. You have to take care of yourself, even if it is discrete.

BeachBayNurse · May 21, 2008

Yes, sometimes you will not have time to eat. If it is a life or death situation, I understand, but this maybe happens once a year where I have a few patients go bad at once. However, if it is just a busy night, sometimes I will make a patient wait while I go to the bathroom or eat a snack. What good will I be if I am dizzy while taking care of them?

RedCell · May 21, 2008

:nurse:

Maybe this sounds silly, but I was curious. Excuse my pre-nursing student ignorance, and feel free to move this.
I hear a lot of stories on here and elsewhere that nurses get so busy they have no time to pee/eat.
Isn't there nurses with bladder control problems, IBS, hypoglycemia, etc kinds of conditions that they DO need to take short breaks for??
I'm very worried because i'm slightly anemic and need to eat every so often or I will pass out, and I also have IBS that can strike at inopportune times:uhoh21:
What do you guys do?

Dude, don't worry about it. They do not usually tell you about this in nursing school, but most facilities give you a personal allowance of 10-12 superabsorbent depends each week (two per shift). You can get more, but it is based on senority, hours worked per week, and whether or not you have any management responsibilities. Management gets less because they spend most of their time creating hassles for the floor nurses and therefore, have plenty of time to hang out with John Crapper. I hear magnet hospitals pass out camel packs containing orange gatorade laced with loperamide. Sure would like to try it, but have never had the privilege of working in a magnet facility. Maybe some of the other members in the allnurses community can ellaborate on that.

Please do not tell any of your nursing instructors that you have been given this information. It would most certainly lead to your expulsion from nursing school and you will never know the true triumph of completing a 16 hour shift with the aid of nothing else other than your trusty superabsorbent depends. :nurse:

RN1989 · May 21, 2008

:lol2:

AnthonyD · May 21, 2008

Most nurses that have dietary related health issues know to take care of their needs, whether they stop for snack breaks or carry sports drinks etc. They are generally more attentive (or should be anyway) to keeping track of NOT forgetting meal breaks.

Otherwise, YES, many nurses and PCT's, etc, get so busy that meals and bathroom breaks get forgotten. I have realized many times at the end of a shift that I have forgotten to eat for the past 12+ hours, and since I don't eat breakfast, there have been days that I've gone totally without a meal.

It sucks, but it happens. If you NEED to eat so you don't pass out, then don't let it happen. Maybe set your watch alarm, or make snacks a part of your daily routine -- like after passing meds, or doing some other regular task.

BinkieRN, BSN, RN · May 21, 2008

There are days that I have to eat my lunch in 5 minute increments, most days I can squeeze in 20 minutes to eat. I have never taken a 15 minute break. I always make time to go to the BR when I have to go :nurse:

allnurses Guide · May 21, 2008

Do not take a job where you don't get your breaks and lunch. Just don't do it.

steph

cursenurse · May 21, 2008

Wow, it always amazes me when nurses say they don't take lunch or don't use the bathroom. I work in a level one trauma ctr, that is usually packed beyond capacity, and we all take a one hour lunch every shift. when we first come on shift, lunch times are determined. you usually know who you will be working with and can coordinate so that your patients are covered during your lunch. I also use the bathroom whenever the need strikes me. I know that the smokers may not like this but, I got to thinking after having worked with smokers for years, smokers will not forego a smoke break for anything. I have never heard a smoker say- wow i didn't smoke all shift! they find a way to go out every hour. i think that it is high time that all nurses made lunches and bathroom breaks a regular part of their shift.

allnurses Guide · May 21, 2008

Seriously . . . when you interview for a job, ask about breaks and lunches and see if they are scheduled and have coverage. Otherwise, don't take the job.

steph

TigerGalLE, BSN, RN · May 21, 2008

I have to eat lunch. I get super hypoglycemic and dizzy if I don't. I may eat my lunch in 10 minutes or less, but I eat it. If I don't get to go to lunch until late I'll steal saltines from the kitchen and cram them in my mouth as i run around (not in front of patients or the bosses of course). I really have to eat breakfast too. I have a little routine where when I come in I drink a cup of coffee while waiting for 3rd shift to get things together for report. Then I see patients and make sure everyone is okay. Then I take about 10 min for a quick breakfast. I usually bring cereal from home and use milk on the floor. Then I'm good until lunch.. After lunch I can usually make it until dinner. I tend to get more hypoglycemic in the AM and around lunch if I don't eat. Esp if i skip breakfast....

Just try to include some protein with your meals to hold you over. And I always take time to pee. There is a restroom on the floor and when I have to go I go. I can't concentrate if I have a full bladder. I always go to the restroom before starting a procedure or doing an IV... If I have to pee when I stick I pt I never get it.... so just take time to do what you gotta do....

Tiger