How to Prepare for 12-Hour Shifts
Nurse completing paperwork
I want to talk about statistics for a minute. I want you to think about your health when you work 12-hour shifts, or when your employer asks you to do an extra shift. The World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization found a 17% higher risk of heart disease if people worked 55 hours or more weekly. For those who work 40 hours a week, employees who work more than 55 hours a week are at a 35% higher risk of stroke. So, one or two extra shifts can put you at risk for health issues. The business owners and managers can help watch out for their teams by implementing health measures, such as health and wellness programs. But these days, with short staffing, it might not happen. You need to be your own advocate. If you feel your health is being affected, talk with your manager at work.
A nurse feeling stress from working an extra shift
Nurses are completing long shifts while undertaking tasks that can be mentally and physically demanding. This blog topic is meant to help you manage your shifts. Knowing how to manage a 12-hour shift can be critical for employees to contribute to their role in an engaged and productive way. You can learn some strategies to help you maintain a positive attitude and good physical and mental health.
Pack your food and eat right. Long shifts make eating healthy and cooking balanced meals challenging. Due to time constraints, these employees may rely on fast food, usually higher in saturated fat and sugars.
Take nutrient-rich supplements.
Stay hydrated
I prepare several options for the kids’ breakfasts, lunch, and dinner,
I also make several mason jars of overnight oats on Sundays with a variety of flavors
Healthy meal prep for long shifts
Preparing for your shift the day or night before can help you arrive at work feeling relaxed and in control. Organizing a day-to-day life schedule around your 12-hour shifts can be a complicated challenge, but those in the know guarantee it’s worth it.
Begin with not scheduling errands, housework, or primary cooking on workdays. The less you try to cram in before and after your long shift, the better.
Stay busy on the job.
Take every scheduled break.
Remind yourself of your goals.
Plan out your shift and manage your time (Hint: Use the shift report you received a couple of weeks ago to plan your shift).
Be a team player - help when you see a need and offer help when there is an emergency. Other nurses will be more likely to help you if you allow them. This also helps you make a work friend(s). I always liked to have two work friends I could depend on. That way I was more likely to have one on every shift.
Have a positive mindset - Think positively about yourself, about others, and how the shift is going.
Stretch regularly - Stretching will prevent any muscle cramps, release tension/stress, and prevent long-term muscular issues.
Comfortable nurse scrubs and tennis shoes are important!
Dress Comfortably
The last thing you want on your shift is to be uncomfortable. Supportive and well-cushioned shoes are essential, as hard hospital floors can be unforgiving. Compression socks can also help you stay comfortable by improving circulation and minimizing inflammation and muscle pain. Hospitals can be very cold, so it might be wise to bring a light jacket.
Get enough rest
A lack of sleep and limited opportunities for exercise are two significant factors in 12-hour shift health concerns
Here is a list I use to help me sleep better at night:
Eye Mask and Earplugs
Restorative Yoga Poses
Set your calendar to: Out of Office
Adjust your regular days off
Plan vacations. Make it a family activity to pick where you want to go and what you will do there. You can plan how much money you will use. But always have an emergency plan. I remember during one of my vacations, our entire transmission went out in the mountains. That was an expensive trip, let me tell you!
Make time one day a week for a particular activity that you like/love. Schedule a holiday. Scheduling a holiday can be an effective motivator if you work long hours. Going to the zoo would suit the kids, and the following week, the adults could spend the weekend at a bed and breakfast.
Use your breaks wisely.
Remind yourself of your goals.
References for this blog are:
Global occupational health: Current challenges and the need for urgent action — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. https://scholars.mssm.edu/en/publications/global-occupational-health-current-challenges-and-the-need-for-ur-2
4 Health Benefits Of Learning In Senior Homes | Spring Mill. https://www.springmillseniorliving.com/senior-living-blog/4-health-benefits-of-learning-in-senior-homes/
How to Prepare for a 12-Hour Shift - All Med Search. https://www.allmedsearch.com/2022/07/11/how-to-prepare-for-a-12-hour-shift/
RN organization Archives - Mother Nurse Love. https://www.mothernurselove.com/tag/rn-organization/
Working Mom Health Tips For 12-Hour Shifts - Mother Nurse Love. https://www.mothernurselove.com/working-mom-health-tips-for-12-hour-shifts/
Comment below!
What other ways could you work with a difficult patient towards a solution to their identified issue(s)?
Share your answers in the blog comments to learn from each other.
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