RNs or those that work long shifts

Bailey1823A · April 2017

so on the days I work I always feel much worse than the days I'm home (nauseous and crampy). For those of you that work more than 10 hour days do you feel the same? I worked nights with my other two pregnancies and was nauseous 24/7. Just wondering what other moms are experiencing. Thanks.

failuretofly · April 2017

I'm only working 8s but I worked 12s with DS and honestly didn't notice a difference, but I barely got MS with that pregnancy. I went down to 8s at 28 weeks and i think it was a good call. This time around nights have definitely hit me harder, probably because I don't get any downtime at home with a 15mo to chase after.

Jellybelly119 · April 2017

I work 12s and I'm more tired and miserable at home after chasing my son around all day! At work, I actually do a better job of staying very hydrated, having small snacks every couple hours and sitting down for a few minutes when I can (I can rest on a stool while I'm working at my computer, which I know isn't always an option for everyone!)

drablnd · April 2017

When I was working 12s the only thing that helped was eating a snack every couple hours. No big meals and lots of vernors. Or for those not in Michigan then ginger ale. Just have to take it as easy as you can

Bailey1823A · April 2017

@drablnd I work in a crazy ER so I wish that wa an option

NME44 · April 2017

I was fine at work until about 20 weeks. Then I started to get dizzy and nauseated. I cut back to one day a week for the rest of that pregnancy.

But I agree with @Jellybelly119...chasing my toddler was much more difficult for me than working.

PoeMasque · April 2017

I work per diem in an ER with zero chairs for the nurses, it's always under staffed, and no one ever gets all of their breaks (small hospital on the west coast owned by some health care conglomerate in Kentucky). I have no idea how any pregnant woman works there full time (so far only charge nurses have been pregnant and they are the only ones with chairs). I limit my shifts to 4 hours and it seems tolerable - I also work a 40 hour per week job in public health on top of the ER shifts, but that job is pretty cushy.

My advice is to advocate for yourself. If you need a break to get a snack or sit down, take it. You are part of a protected class of worker now that you're pregnant. Be honest with management that you're struggling and need more support. I'm sure any ER would rather have a nurse who needs more breaks than a hole in the schedule.

Bailey1823A · April 2017

@PoeMasque I try to hold off telling my job I'm pregnant until I have a good scan. I would never call out unless I'm dying. I just have been trying to stay hydrated and snack as much as I can. But thanks for the advice for advocating for myself. I'm bad about doing that.

brittyclem · April 2017

I have been keeping hard candies in my pocket to take when I feel nauseated. I've also been flavoring my water with a little bit of lemonade and I have more interest in drinking it so I can stay hydrated which helps with my fatigue. We work 13 hour shifts and I barely stayed awake for an hour after I got home yesterday. I feel you @Bailey1823A

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