Today I woke up pretty late. I had gotten a good eight hours of sleep at least, and I should have felt rested, but I did not. I never did the first day following my stretch of twelve hours shifts as an RN. That’s just how it was.
As I stood in front of the mirror some time later, after a huge mug of coffee and a refreshing shower, I grimaced at my red eyes. I tried lubricant drops and even Visine, but it was pointless. My eyes felt gritty and sore. And that’s just how it was.
That’s how my eyes felt after working all weekend. My mind felt much the same, like no amount of lubrication could quick start it. Something about it reminded me of the morning after a long night of partying in my twenties, and it would take a day to get over it just like it did back then. You see, I was suffering from a Nurse hangover.
I’ve had a lot of different jobs in my day. I’ve waited tables, car-hopped, and tended bar. I’ve been on an assembly line in a factory and dealt with retail customers on Christmas Eve. I’ve worked third shift, night shift, and split shifts. But nothing, I tell you nothing makes me feel quite so haggard as a string of consecutive nursing shifts at the bedside. Something about it wears me out.
I look at the roadmap of veins on my legs, left there before I had the foresight to wear support stockings, and I know it’s physically demanding. My co-worker’s recent back surgery tells me that’s the truth, but I think there’s more to it. I’ve been physically challenged to the point of injury when I was in boot camp, but the weariness I feel after thirteen hours bedside is an animal all its own.
No, I think a nursing hangover is one part physical, two parts mental, and smattering of emotional fatigue thrown in for good measure. A typical day at the bedside will certainly leave you with sore feet from standing and running all day, but the mental exhaustion of remembering medicine side effects, titration volumes, and physical symptoms of any given disease process would leave even Einstein frazzled. And even if everything is going smoothly there’s always the chance of rain. You set at ready at all times so even when it’s “quiet” or “slow” you can’t really relax. You know it could fall apart at any moment, and that’s exhausting.
Top it off with the emotional stress of death and being strong in the face of grief, and any pastor would crumble. When you realize there’s some situations you cannot change no matter how hard you try, it’s supremely draining. My most exhausting day to this point remains the one where I cared for a young postpartum mother whose baby had been stillborn. I watched her hold that infant all day, and I just held her hand and my tears. There was nothing more I could do.
So factor in the things you cannot change, the illnesses you cannot treat, the noncompliant patients you can’t convince, or the unrealistic demands you can’t possibly fill, and you’re left with the wind sucked from your sails. You’re left adrift on adrenaline that can only drive you for so long. You clock out, drive home on some God-given autopilot, and pass out on a pillow of sheer exhaustion. Do that for another day, or two, or three, and you’re rewarded with a hangover that could beat out Jose Cuervo eight days a week.
I make a great salary. The hospital I work for is awesome. The patients who smile and comment so sweetly about me make my day. I had adorable, dream patients this weekend, in fact. Those things keep me at the bedside, well that and my passion for helping others. But none of those things change the point that I’m beat today on my first day off. I guess that’s just how it is.
Lindsey Klunder says
As usual, Brie, my thoughts exactly. My husband knows that after 3 consecutive 12-13 hour shifts, day 4 is hangover day:) I am the day manager of a 20 bed Cardiac Medical ICU. Even the days that may be described as slow, it’s definitely the mental exhaustion that gets me…Even though others may see us as “sitting” while we chart, we are constantly thinking about anticipated lab results, next med times, which Doctor we need to talk to, who I’m going to give the next admit to, and when in the world did that patient leave AMA? Was an incident report done? The list is endless….our brain never stops. Thank you for again putting my thoughts into words:) I love this blog:)
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Gladys W. says
Wow…I.ve been an RN for 36 yrs now…have worked doubles &Lots of OT.. lived thru all the changes; team nsg. &total care modules. useless unions.cross strike lines ‘or not’ .everyone get their BSN.not enough instructors. Just missed the change to 12 hr shifts…but the basic experience of this story remains the same. Props to all those who ‘walk the path’ Nurses ROCK ! ♡
Victoria Taft says
Hi. I’m Vicky.
Up until 2014 I had been a nurse 44 years. Unofficially since I was 3…graduated in 1970. Never wanted to be anything else. I loved all the kinds of nursing I did. My favorite was hospice.
Most of My career I too , worked 12 hour shifs and in hospice more. I raised 2 kids on my own as well and forged through many obstacles.
No matter how much sleep you got….you were still tired. I believe it’s the emotional piece, in which we connect with patients and families.
Nature of the beast.. I wouldn’t have traded any of it for the world. I was sad to be medically retired, I wanted to continue on a limited basis.
God had other plans.
It has been the best part of my life.
God bless nurses everywhere.
"Molly" says
This is great! My “hangover” usually lasts at least 2 days- I’m quite a bit older than you? By the time I feel like I’m back to myself, it’s time to do it all again.
The best part of my weekend was being “Molly” to a sweet little old lady (a former nurse herself). No amount of trying could convince her that wasn’t my name- I just went with it after a few hours.??
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Love it!!
Connie says
Appreciate the post! Maybe only nurses can truly understand what you describe- that’s exactly the way I feel/ that first day off I am utterly useless, no matter how good the day or how ” bad” the day was . 25 years of those 12 hour shifts …. Still wouldn’t do anything different than bedside nursing (currently ICU) but it doesn’t take away the exhaustion. Thanks for sharing!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Susan says
Boy, you stated and evaluated the situation perfectly! I’ve been a nurse for 43 years. Twelve hour shifts are really a challenge! It used to be a little easier when I was younger. Wonder if we’d fare better if we went back to eights?
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks Susan.
Jan says
I had worked 3/12s for 12 years and then 3 years ago my husband and I were handed out 9 month old grandson and we have been raising him ever since. I had just started a RN to BSN program and decided to spread out my hours to 2/12s and 2/8s (biweekly). My husband was grateful for the extra help on those evening I was home earlier- and I have to say I was also. Working an 8 hour shift is a breeze! And getting home and still being able to have dinner with my family, throw in a load of laundry, play in the backyard in daylight, and read a bedtime story.
As much as I thought I would miss having the extra day off- I don’t!! And now I work 9 hour days – I’m home every evening (biweekly) and have a long weekend every other week.
I would say embrace an 8 hour shift! It does a nurse good!!
debbie Lorenzo says
Great explanation of the Hanover Effect!! As a 30 year RN, (critical care, ED, Life Flight) the adrenaline keeps you going for your 3-4 day stretch, then comes the CRASH!!! All of our loved ones have experienced is on the day we just want to stay in our pjs, catch up on laundry and watch TV!!!! ???
Jane Allerding says
Yes, I think 8 hour shifts would be kinder to our bodies.
Nancy Davis says
I’ve been working the bedside off and on for 38 years. I started with 8 hour shifts and can tell you it gives you much more normal life. Yes, 3 12 hour shifts give you an extra day off, but you spend it with a hangover, for goodness sake. I don’t thrill we as a career realize just how hard 12 he shifts are on our bodies, our families, and on is emotionally.
Eileen Sollars says
Thank you I never had a name for my 4th shift. Doesn’t matter if you are day shift or night the hangover is real.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Anita Parmer, RNC says
You hit the nail on head with this. I’ve been a nurse for 32 years, most of those as a charge nurse on a Labor/ Delivery, postpartum,nursery, Gyn/ Pediatric unit all in one. And what you said about when it’s slow/quiet is so true, it can all change in the blink of an eye. Thank you for trying to put down in words how we feel. I don’t think any one can truly understand other than other nurses and healthcare professionals.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Janice Saysette Wood says
Oh Brie; try working 12 hour shifts when you are 64. I thought that I was going to die. 8 hour shifts were way better. And all the BS about 4 days off? Not the way I was scheduled: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 1 off and so on. I hope your schedule is better!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
I actually am really blessed right now. I have been afforded a schedule that allows me to stay home with my young children multiple days in a row. Thanks for commenting.
Deborah says
I prefer to work 6 on 8 off and have for years. Yes the first after I’m a slug but that’s okay. Having 7 days to do whatever I want is soooo worth it. I’m more awake, alert and on the ball day 6 vs days 1 and 2. It’s not for everyone but it’s definitely for me.
Harmony Marquardt says
I do this exact same schedule for the same reason! Some weeks i have a different schedule, but that’s typically by choice.
Lorrie Wilson says
I have been doing this thing I love for over 20 years. Today is my “day off”, but here I am, doing the schedule for 50+ employees in the best ICU EVER because there is just no way to do it while at work. I’m in my pajamas, feet still aching from yesterdays 5:30 am to 8:30 pm. My back is killing me, in desperate need of a massage, but already thinking about all I have to do for the next two days as I am scheduled to work. I stopped trying to explain a long time ago to non nurses about this whole “only work 3 days a week” stuff. They will never understand. My husband knows to leave me alone so I can recharge, especially when I’m quite and don’t want to talk. I joked to my coworkers that we all need to live in the same neighborhood so when we need to vent, we can just go next door to someone who really understands. I can’t imagine doing anything else in the world, but I also can’t imagine my body allowing me to do this for too much longer!!!
Linda Chapman says
I am not a nurse but I have great love and respect for all the angels wearing a nursing uniform! My husband is a heart patient and I have had a few surgeries and you nurses have made all the difference in the world to us! It must be a ministry from the heart for y’all! Love and prayers for all you nurses everywhere!!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Sharee says
Very, very true. I’m blessed to have “scheduled” 4, 8 hr shifts a week (that dont always end after 8 hours). I love my job! But, ONLY nurses can really understand where our hearts, minds, souls are after tough shifts/ weeks. Hangover is right! Thanks for sharing what we’re all feeling!
Naomi says
Wow I always say that 3/4 shifts feels like a hangover. I thought I was just getting old. Thank you so much for sharing.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
routerunner says
Sounds like being a cop except that the public attitude towards cops is a little different than their attitude towards nurses, to say the least.
Lacey says
Brie, so perfectly well written and accurately described the nursing hangover. My family doesn’t fully understand the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that nursing causes. I often just want time to sleep and some quiet alone time. Thank you for writing this!!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Kerri says
THANK YOU & BLESS YOU for sharing this! I had never heard of the nurse hangover. After 17 years, I still love being a night shift bedside RN and can’t imagine anything else. I thought I was the only one who was tired after a string of shifts, and because I was older and gained weight.
I now know I’m not alone regardless of my age & weight (but am still working on losing weight) 🙂
Dyana says
Brie, I can’t begin to thank you enough for this post. I have been a nurse for 40+ years, and an ICU nurse working 12’s since 1990. I only gave myself “permission” this past year for a down day after my 4-12 hr shift stretches. I am soooooo glad it is not just me! I was beginning to think maybe I was getting too old to do this if I was so drained after my 4 day stretch!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Megan says
I am not an RN, and I certain don’t work the hours you do. I am a medical assistant at a Tulsa Pediatric after hours urgent care, owned and operated by four awesome “Doctor mom’s” that treat every patient with the same concern and compassion you’d treat your own children with, no matter what time of the day or night it is. Our hours are 4pm-11pm Monday-Friday, and 930am-10pm Saturday and Sunday. Sure, our door says we close at 11 on weekdays and 10 on weekend nights, but we may be there until midnight or 1am with a laceration or two that needs 12 stitches, or an asthma patient with a heart condition. We never know what could walk through the door, a broken arm, a laceration, an asthma patient, or a virus. I love it, but it is go, go, go. We are slow from time to time, but we anticipate we could have 12 patients walk through the door at any moment, which happens quite frequently. I work 1 weekend every three weeks, 26 hours total. It isn’t anything for us to see 120 patients in one weekend, it keeps us going for sure. That Monday after, I am just a shell of a person. If it requires pants that day, it probably isn’t going to happen. So, I get it. Even though my working environment and hours are different, I get how it can suck the life out of you, but how awesome it is to know you’ve put the life back into somebody else. Thanks for that.
Megan
Sarah says
Empowering! It’s all so true!
Esther gamsey says
I volunteer at St. Catherine’s hospital in Smithtown in the emergency room 3 days a week and I have never seen a more dedicated staff of nurses, doctors and aides. I’m so honored to be a part of that family.
Julitta says
My friend who is a bedside nurse and a very accomplished marathon runner, one of the best in USA,also becomes exhausted like the rest of us and gets nursing hangover after working 3 shifts in a row. The mental and emotional exhaustion is what gets us and it does no matter how physically fit You are You always end up exhausted.
Fawad says
I know exactly what this is like. My best friend, Q. Twan, is always exhausted. Even on her off days. I’m praying for you, Q. Twan. I’m pwaying for you.
Becky says
I feel your pain! I’m an RN also and long days are mind frazzling. This week I’m on the patient side of this. My brother had a 15hr surgery @ MD Anderson. The next morning I coined the tetm “Hospital Hangover”. We were all drained just from the worry & mental strain and then went to Keep vigil at his ICU bedside. The Nursing profession has the strongest women & men, and the kindest!!
Ed Morgan says
And I too thought that being wiped out the day after working two doubles (16hrs) in a row was me being out of shape or only getting 9 hours of sleep in two days.
Janet says
I work 12 hour night shifts, I use to be able to do 3 in a row but not anymore, 2 in a row is all I can handle. It takes 2 or more days off to recover so until I have 2 or more in a row off I stay hungover
Brittany Fannin says
Having worked in two different nursing facilities as an SRNA, I can definitely see how nursing is exhausting. SRNA’s are typically just as exhausted from dealing with patients who are intentionally bitchy about simple stuff as the nurses are from dealing with all the med cart runs, charting, etc.
Kathleen Jackson says
Thank all you nurses for your imput. I thought I was “less than” because am so exhausted. Years ago I quit midnights because it was ruining my body and mind. Now I work 12 hour days, and I have a schedule that puts me 2 12 hr shifts, then three days off, except I work every other weekend. ( so I can work without the “suits” around) I’d like to add a suggestion to another thread that is going to drive me bonkers and I am mad as hell about it. Since when did hospitals become hotels? They are killing us making sure “the patient experience” is as close to perfect as they can If a light goes off more than 4 times there is a problem. How can you deal with everything else and get your charting done while you can’t sit for even a minute? My “suits” round on every patient regularly. If they have one tiny complaint they will move heaven and earth to find out “who did it” then it turns into a “teachable moment”. It is so bad they are asking the techs to rat out the nurses and the nurses will rat each other out. This does not make a cohesive working atmosphere. My institution is starting a deal where every patient who has the ability to use one is getting an iPad. With your picture and bio on it. How they think I can respond to any request on that I have no idea. I don’t even have time to read my hospital e mail. It is a horrendous approach to patient care. All the while staffing levels remain the same. I work in adult rehab we have patients for up to three months. They are critically ill when they are admitted from acute. They wear street clothing. We are tolieting these patients and managing pants and pericare sometimes on large patients with bad hemiplegias, or multiple fractured, or in terrible pain. God love them but we are staffed LESS than an acute medical floor. This is the national average so don’t even try to rock that boat Administration adds more and more to what they want us do do, and won’t add the help we need to do it properly. It sets you up to fail. I have been a nurse for 30 years. I love what I do but I feel all the time I am not doing enough just to BE IN THE MOMENT with them. There is an emergency light somewhere, or an IV has to go up before the next therapy. We have done a horrible injustice to out patients. Instead of iPads-hire a few more techs. Don’t treat us like we are in kindergarten. When I was younger I thought it was getting bad but I never expected all this. Patient experience is enhanced by having a nurse who really does “have the time” to listen to their needs and fears. I can’t practice properly if a patient can call me on my phone to ask for their dinner tray to be removed. They have managed to somehow elimate all the senior staff ( by driving them over the edge I am sure) and there is not enough senior nurses to mentor the younger staff. It’s a dangerous situation. I love my patients and it is quite the emotional journey to watch them come in unable to speak or walk and after discharge they waltz right in to thank us for giving them their lives back. It not be the life they started out with, but it’s one they feel comfortable handling. Thank you for letting me vent. And if any of you unionized nurses go on strike for better patient care in my area I will march beside you. We DO make the difference between life and death, and our patients and families trust us to do just that. I am proud of every one of you out there. God bless us all!
Ginger Middleton says
A coworker shared your blog and I read all the above posts. I work as a Monitor Tech and have been in the medical field since I was 19 now 61. The shift in the care regardless of what you do has dramatically changed over the decades. Any unit you work in drains the life out of you. I have been working 12 hr shifts for 21 years and or has affected my quality of life as I get the hangover too. I know that many will argue that 12 hr shifts are great but I physically felt better, my family saw more of me and I never felt like I do now and I was 21 years younger. I would live love to go back to 8 hr shifts. The majority of nurses have never worked 8 hr shifts…if they could they would understand.
emma says
I,ve been telling my husband this is how i feel thank you for making it real x
sue willison says
I agree with most of the above comments. A very good description of nursing and the hangover effect. I had the privilege of doing bedside nursing for 32 years and saw the changes that occurred in that time. I felt then and still do that 12 hour shifts are killing nurses. I worked 8 hour shifts mostly on pms and nights. Also did 12 when the admin. no longer allowed 8 hour shifts. Had a much harder time with the “hangover” after several 12 (I would only do 2 in a row) than I ever did with 8s (even if I did 7 in a row). 8 hour shifts allow a much more “normal” lifestyle; even if doing nights. You able able to get into a routine. I know most newer nurses want the extra time off that 12s allow; but I always ask ” what good is the extra time off when you are recovering for one or 2 of those days?” I loved what I did, but am so glad that I am now retired and can almost sleep like a normal person and do not have all the hoops to jump through.
Christy says
I am currently a new LPN. I have been CNA, ER Tech, monitor Tech, secretary, scrub tech… My finally goal is RN in 2 more semesters.. Maybe BSN eventually. I’m 44 yrs old..been doing all this for almost 20 years! I feel this should include all the above. We are not RN but suffer hang over as well as all the other pros and cons.. Thanks for sharing!!