What advice would you give me????

[bunnie004]

Ok so I am a new grad. I have been working for 4 months. During those four months I only late lunch during my training period which was like 2 months. The rest of the 2 months work has been so hectic that I don't even have time to eat lunch. I am getting a bit worried because I also lost about 10-15 pounds like in 2 months. I am scared that this might be too much for me and that it might take a toll on my health. What should I do everyone?? Should I find a less hectic place to work??? Any advice would be appreciated.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I wouldn't let the lunch thing determine your career path. The lunch thing is a solvable problem that should improve with time as you get better at time management. In the meantime ... take high energy snacks with you to work. Keep them handy (in your pocket, in your locker, in your purse, whatever) so that you can get some decent nutrition throughout your shift. Eat well, get plenty of rest, etc. when you are not working and you should be OK. Take care of yourself and don't deprive yourself of decent nutrition, rest, and relaxation.

I also suggest you talk with your colleagues (former preceptors, unit educator, experienced nurses on your unit who are friendly, etc. ) and ask for their advice/help with the lunch problem. They may be able to give you some good tips that will help you carve out a little break time each shift. Find out how they do it.

So ... how do you feel about your job. Do you like it? Do you hate it? Are you getting better at it and starting to feel as if this is work you want to do and are capable of doing? Your post does not say. Those are the types of things that should drive your career decision. The lunch thing is just a problem to be solved. If you love the job, the lunch thing is a problem worth solving. If you hate your job and/or seem to be unable to learn how to do it well ... then you should probably not consider this job a long term committment regardless of whether or not you get lunch.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Agree with the above.

[krenee]

I agree that time management should come in . . . time, and yes, breaks are important. But it is a bit early to panic. For now, I would submit that you *always* have time to shove a bite in your mouth periodically. High energy foods, not junk foods - I like the little individual packs of almonds, string cheese, and of course the old stand-by, energy bars. I can eat and chart at the same time, or even when you're walking down the hall, if you have something in your pocket. You don't have to take a break to eat, although I recommend it if and when you can!

Best of luck!

[scoutsmom]

I once worked at a LTC fac.that had too much work for one nurse, (on the 2-10 shift) when I went to complain to my DON, she more or less said "but that's what being a nurse is all about isn't it???" uhhhg! and now 10 years later and no longer there, I'm thinking yes, you are right DON!!, and that is what is WRONG with the profession too!!" the sad part is it is the residents who pay the price, why don't family members demand more from the whole darn system!! make it a law-- not to have to work like that!! It never changes! Godd luck, and look for another job!