What helps you get through a shift ?

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

When you've had a couple of lousy days, and are beginning your 3rd 12 hour shift of the week, how do you motivate yourself to go to work and maintain whatever it is you need to hang on to, to get through the shift?

I used to remind myself that I didn't have to take the PIAs home with me (that helped )

I reminded myself that I wasn't going through what the patients were.

I thought about going on a day trip to a favorite city on my days off- and that the money from that shift would make that better.

I was grateful for the good staff I had to work with, and that either of the night supervisors were supportive and very helpful.

I met people who made me grateful for the family I have

I was glad that the majority of the docs were easy to deal with, even at 3 am when things were hitting the fan.

If it was really horrible, I reminded myself that I could leave whenever I wanted to, but I needed to get through the night first- and that would usually chill me out.

Maybe this sounds dumb- but whatever it takes to get through the rough times, that doesn't hurt you, your job, or anyone else is fair game in my book. :two cents:

Anybody else have things that have helped them just get to work? :)

(this is meant to be pleasant, and maybe even fun....)

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

Allnurses tonight!

[BCinRenton]

PCT here. I work 12 hr night shifts, up to five in a row.

On the way to work, I usually listen to the loudest rap music I can listen to (HAM by Kanye West and Jay-Z is a current favorite). It helps me to listen to other people being aggressive and angry at the world for strange reasons.

Lately I've been drinking an energy drink on my first night back from an extended break, which helps me get through the night (especially while sitting for a patient).

When things get too rough, i change my break scedule from a single long 1.25 hr break to multiple 15 minute breaks with a 30 minute break for lunch.

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

Nothing beats working with a good crew! There's a couple pod partners I absolutely LOVE working with - we gel well, support each other, no BS, get stuff done, keep the meat movin'... all while cracking jokes and having fun! :) That's my biggest 'concern' when I walk into work - who will I be working with tonight? If I'm with the right folks - it don't matter if I have a code every half hour, I can deal with it!

Other than that:

- good music. RUSH radio on Pandora usually helps.

- the occasional nice comments from pts. or family :) Yep, it helps! If you've had a crappy shift, few things make you feel better!

- Working with good docs who trust you, your skills and judgment. Especially the ones you're in sync with and can anticipate their next move...

- An empty hospital with plenty of admit beds and staff available!

cheers,

[Poi Dog]

I think about the beer that is chilling in my fridge.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

Nothing beats working with a good crew! There's a couple pod partners I absolutely LOVE working with - we gel well, support each other, no BS, get stuff done, keep the meat movin'... all while cracking jokes and having fun! :) That's my biggest 'concern' when I walk into work - who will I be working with tonight? If I'm with the right folks - it don't matter if I have a code every half hour, I can deal with it!

Other than that:

- good music. RUSH radio on Pandora usually helps.

- the occasional nice comments from pts. or family :) Yep, it helps! If you've had a crappy shift, few things make you feel better!

- Working with good docs who trust you, your skills and judgment. Especially the ones you're in sync with and can anticipate their next move...

- An empty hospital with plenty of admit beds and staff available!

cheers,

I agree. I have great co-workers. Some I mesh with better then others but that can totally make a shift. We are always having fun and cracking jokes, doing chair races in the halls. Dancing. Tonight we even busted out the crayons and drew pictures of eachother then making fun of our terrible drawing skills. The drawings of me are hilarious.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

I think about how grateful I am to have a job.

I'm going on a trip in Dec. so often think about the money for the trip.

[cometnurse]

I remind myself that I choose a career that is a life of service to others. That is the whole point of being there. The Lord with help you as you help others.

I also think about my health and reflect on the illnesses and situations of these patients and think "this could be me" or "maybe someday this will be me" and realize that they deserve whatever I have to give. (even the ones that are a pain in the rearsky:coollook:)

And when all else fails, I count the days and hours till my next day off:)

It realy does help when you have a good team working together. I always try to help others, be supportive, and thankful to them and they usually return the sentiment to me when I need it the most!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I think about my next day off, and the fact that my student loans are a 3rd paid after a year of nursing.

[mappers]

I think "It's just 12 hours. I can do anything for just 12 hours."

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

Cake breaks. I grab cake when I get lunch, but only eat a bite. Its a foretaste of what I get when the shift is nearly over. When the labs are drawn and the charting is done, and everyone is tucked in for the moment, I sneak away for 10 mins and have my cake. Sometimes, thats the onlything Ive got going cause the night just stinks. ~Ivanna

[diva rn, BSN, RN]

I think "It's just 12 hours. I can do anything for just 12 hours."

I used to use that one too!

and lot's and lot's of good hot black coffee....it used to run thru my veins from 7p to 7a

now I work 5 days a week for 8 hours a day and I hate it...I miss my good old 12 hour nights:crying2:

believe me, nothing helps me get thru the days sometimes, except thinking of the weekend football games...GO COLTS!