What You Need to Know About Working a Double Shift Working so many hours makes the double shift a source of stress and frustration. However when it comes to double shifts, you are working for even longer. Taking one for the team will not just give you a boost in your paycheck, but will also give you an opportunity to do what you love. There are a few things that you should keep in mind when working a double shift. Staying nourished, remaining productive, ensuring your safety and that of others, and relying on teamwork are all things you should focus on when working a double. The following are some issues you should know about, and how to deal with them as they arise. Related: How to Approach a Generational Gap with your Fellow Nurses ● Graze o This is practically the only situation in which grazing is efficient. o Keeping your energy up relies heavily on eating. To refuel efficiently, eat a handful of food whenever you have a few minutes to spare. o High protein and high calorie foods are better than foods that will give you a quick sugar rush. ● Productivity o Keeping busy to get ahead of the exhaustion setting in can help get you through your shift. You can restock carts, conduct research, care for your patients, and more. Do whatever it is that you need to do to keep yourself from getting too tired to function. ● Safety o Be honest about how you are feeling. It is not only necessary for your health and safety, but for that of your patients. If you notice that you are getting sleepy, set an alarm on your phone for 15 to 30 minutes and take a nap whenever you can find the time. Make sure that you have another co-worker cover your patients for those few minutes. This can help you be more alert and combat the watery eyes that accompany the type of tiredness you should not ignore.
Related: The Evolution of the Nursing Uniform o Do not drive if you are feeling this way. Driving tired is just like driving drunk, and causing an accident is the last thing you want to do. Get a ride from someone you work with, take a bus or cab, or even take a nap before leaving work. Listen to your body when you are nodding off, and take steps to curb fatigue. � Teamwork o Nursing is always about teamwork, but it is even more important when pulling a double. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. However, relying on them too much can also be problematic. Most people will not mind, since you are picking up some slack of their shift and have less to do because of it. Overall, you should be as attentive as possible, listening to the signals your body. Counting on your co-workers is important when you need help. Do not try to be a super nurse; it might not work as well as you hoped. As long as you stay conscious of yourself and take care of things that need to be addressed, you will survive a double shift with strong resolve. Being aware of everything around you is important in nursing, considering you are taking care of people’s well being. Related: List of nursing organizations Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter