Noww I knowww😭 I felt like at the time as a new travel nurse I just wanted to blend in and do what the nurses did but I was the one who ended up suffering
That’s not ethical. When I do a 16hr I take two 1 hr breaks and idc if anyone gets upset. If they don’t like it I cancel all my scheduled shifts and work somewhere else. People like to pay close attention to agency nurses but ignore when staff go on 20 smoke breaks during the shift
honestly, if somebody came up to me and asked me those questions I would've been stressed out bc what hospital are you coming from where you get all of those breaks?
Wow girl 🥺 I know this is late to the game, but hope you're doing okay wherever you are in the nursing world now 🫂 As a nightshifter, it's not too uncommon for me to get patients (completely oriented at times!) saying things like "goodnight!" or "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up." And I'm like "no, definitely not allowed to sleep 'til I get off this morning 😅" And working through your 30 minute lunch/eating at the desk + continuing to work is definitely unfortunately very much ingrained into the culture of many floors; it depends on where you work (floor, hospital, + state,) but it is 100% common for uninterrupted breaks to be seen as unnecessary/unrelastic luxuries 💔
Which is honestly so sad 😭 because I mean were people too and some night can be so hard! But go overall I’m good girl I went on to do another night shift contract in new york and it as the same but now I expected it. Currently I just take day shift assignments but I do hope to see how night shifts differ in states like California or Washington.
@@allthingsdami I hope you can get out West! I was in Washington state in winter 2021 for an assignment, and they were very good about ensuring uninterrupted lunch breaks. Things happen in our profession, and we will always have crazy times (and even complete shifts,) but I hope some day our capacity for strength/putting others before us when needed stops being used to expect us to constantly do inhuman things like stay 100% "on" for 12+ hours, 3 to 4 days/nights a week with no designated break to be expected, ever. Thank you for this video and your honesty, I think it's so important we keep pushing to see nurses and other healthcare providers as regular humans too vs these superhuman heros/machines (as cool as that is, it oftentimes leads to some crazy expectations.)
I was on a rotating 7p-7a and 7a-7p shift in the ICU fresh out of nursing school. Night shift SUCKS. I had similar difficulties sleeping during the day and was depressed because I felt like I was missing out on real life and I stopped my normal routine. I now work 3p-3a and my sleep schedule and mental health have improved drastically. Take it one day at a time, friend! Praying God helps you transition and provides the energy and strength you need to care for those sweet babies.
Woow that’s exactly it ! The idea of missing out on life was messing with me. Because most of the time I didn’t have energy to have a normal routine on my work days and some off days. AMENNNN and thank you so much for the encouragement !
Okay night shift is trash. That’s for sure. It’s hard and uncomfortable. It’s physically and emotionally taxing. But did you really think you were going to show up to a travel assignment and sleep at work? Remember you’re getting paid twice as much as your staff coworkers. Try to give them all the grace you can for your 13 weeks! Finish strong and move on! ♥️
It was definitely a thought 😅 but I really had no idea what to expect! The whole time I was thinking that I can get through this it’s just 13weeks but I really felt for the people who have been doing that for years and years. Regardless of being a night owl night shifts take such a toll on your body.
@@zzthelazy351 yeah so I had to push through it and finish that contract but I promised myself I would hold out on my next contract for a day shift assignment and I got it!
Rest? 😂 yeah new grad nurse here - I realized the life of an RN involves dehydration, hunger, exhaustion, and the occasional UTI due to not voiding for 12+ hours…..definitely why a lot of nurses leave bedside. It’s rough
Girl! You are not crazy .. If you can believe it I put in 17 years night shift being abused in Houston ERs .. I’ve worked LBJ , Methodist Memorial etc. I started travel nursing and see how nurses in other states actually take breaks .. management doesn’t have a fit if you clock in by 7 etc NEVER again … I will never abuse my body and mind like that. After my assignment in GA I now know Texas treats it’s nurses horribly.. and watch your back because they will tell you “ oh yea go ahead take your breaks” and then snitch on you… hang in there and continue the countdown.. you got this😁💪🏽
Oh yeah I’ve seen pretty quickly how people watch you. I kinda just assumed all of the states were like this. Kudosss to you for putting in 17 years 🙌🏾🤯 I’m in my 3rd year like can I go onnn😭😂 thank you so much for sharing girl we only have one body and we need to care for it ❤️
I have heard from multiple people who used to do travel nursing/are doing travel nursing that Americans do not take breaks on nights. In my ICU we get 2 hours on nights and so many coworkers of mine went to the States and literally no breaks 😭 wondering if all states are like that.
But actually though ! I’d say I can’t imagine it but I actually lived through it 😭 I’m used to getting 2 hours as well and I even know some units that did 3! So yeah the transition was mad 🤦🏾♀️ I’m pretty sure it’s all of America
Oh Woow! Everyday I’m learning more about true differences between nurses in the states vs Canada. I don’t think this happens everywhere but I think it’s more of a common practice here
I just moved from CA I rarely got a break never experienced the ratios where it's only a certain amount of pts per nurse and all my money went to taxes.
Depending on the unit and how busy it is something you can only squeeze in 30mins not even. In month I would probably skip my break twice because of how busy it was. But I can't even imagine only taking 30mins on a 12 hr night shift...and dazziitt??? It will be hard for me to transition cuz generally we take 2hr breaks on my unit
@@MisszBr33zY06 Yasss as you should be doing. Personally ,I found the transition hard at first but you kinda just adapt, think about how much you’re getting paid and try not to compare🤷🏾♀️
I feel like in the states; they overwork people like machines. I just got my license (RPN) last month, and I have plans to assess my documents to work in the states. The only reason I want to do this is that I want to be close to family. If not, I would not do it-more grease to your elbows. Virtual hugs.
How long have you been a nurse? I’m sorry I’ve been a nurse for 13 years and never ever have I ever been able to nap for a break. Nights or days I’ve only had 30 minutes for a break on a 12 hr shift most times I don’t even get that 😢 it’s nursing I hate night shift so I suffer on days which is just as bad
Awesome video Dami! I have a certain appreciation to nurses after the whole world’s eyes were opened to the importance of healthcare workers. I just subbed to your channel :)
@@opeyolujonwo1976 Right !! I was sooo used to that ..oh how miss that life 😭 I feel like with traveling there’s literally opportunity to like relax and breath while you’re at work they kinda just want you to keep moving and keep going
Take all of your breaks. ALL OF THEM. if other nurses want to skip theirs let them.
Noww I knowww😭 I felt like at the time as a new travel nurse I just wanted to blend in and do what the nurses did but I was the one who ended up suffering
Do you guys want more story times? American nurses do you guys really not take breaks on nights ?!
Yes! More story times!
@@slimk97 okay noted ! I’m ready to spill all the 🫖
At my old hospital we did one 15 min and one half hour break 😭
We get one 30 minute break and one 15 minute break on night shift (Medsurg). Night shift ER don’t get breaks at all. I don’t know what breaks ICU get.
Girl we work 16 hour shifts with 30 minute breaks! Welcome to the states ! Hang in there you can do it!
NO..stop..stop it right now😭 the strength!! woooow America’s going to toughen me up real quick
OMG
That’s not ethical. When I do a 16hr I take two 1 hr breaks and idc if anyone gets upset. If they don’t like it I cancel all my scheduled shifts and work somewhere else. People like to pay close attention to agency nurses but ignore when staff go on 20 smoke breaks during the shift
honestly, if somebody came up to me and asked me those questions I would've been stressed out bc what hospital are you coming from where you get all of those breaks?
Wow girl 🥺 I know this is late to the game, but hope you're doing okay wherever you are in the nursing world now 🫂
As a nightshifter, it's not too uncommon for me to get patients (completely oriented at times!) saying things like "goodnight!" or "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up." And I'm like "no, definitely not allowed to sleep 'til I get off this morning 😅"
And working through your 30 minute lunch/eating at the desk + continuing to work is definitely unfortunately very much ingrained into the culture of many floors; it depends on where you work (floor, hospital, + state,) but it is 100% common for uninterrupted breaks to be seen as unnecessary/unrelastic luxuries 💔
Which is honestly so sad 😭 because I mean were people too and some night can be so hard! But go overall I’m good girl I went on to do another night shift contract in new york and it as the same but now I expected it. Currently I just take day shift assignments but I do hope to see how night shifts differ in states like California or Washington.
@@allthingsdami I hope you can get out West! I was in Washington state in winter 2021 for an assignment, and they were very good about ensuring uninterrupted lunch breaks. Things happen in our profession, and we will always have crazy times (and even complete shifts,) but I hope some day our capacity for strength/putting others before us when needed stops being used to expect us to constantly do inhuman things like stay 100% "on" for 12+ hours, 3 to 4 days/nights a week with no designated break to be expected, ever. Thank you for this video and your honesty, I think it's so important we keep pushing to see nurses and other healthcare providers as regular humans too vs these superhuman heros/machines (as cool as that is, it oftentimes leads to some crazy expectations.)
I've worked 12 hrs more than 9 yrs to get a break is like a miracle really , isn't that sad
Yeah pretty sad from my experience everyone just looked exhausted and I started to think.. is this even safe ?! Thanks for sharing ❤️
I was on a rotating 7p-7a and 7a-7p shift in the ICU fresh out of nursing school. Night shift SUCKS. I had similar difficulties sleeping during the day and was depressed because I felt like I was missing out on real life and I stopped my normal routine. I now work 3p-3a and my sleep schedule and mental health have improved drastically. Take it one day at a time, friend! Praying God helps you transition and provides the energy and strength you need to care for those sweet babies.
Woow that’s exactly it ! The idea of missing out on life was messing with me. Because most of the time I didn’t have energy to have a normal routine on my work days and some off days. AMENNNN and thank you so much for the encouragement !
I just shared a new video and I would love if you could share some more tips. You just seems so wise ❤️
Okay night shift is trash. That’s for sure. It’s hard and uncomfortable. It’s physically and emotionally taxing. But did you really think you were going to show up to a travel assignment and sleep at work? Remember you’re getting paid twice as much as your staff coworkers. Try to give them all the grace you can for your 13 weeks! Finish strong and move on! ♥️
It was definitely a thought 😅 but I really had no idea what to expect! The whole time I was thinking that I can get through this it’s just 13weeks but I really felt for the people who have been doing that for years and years. Regardless of being a night owl night shifts take such a toll on your body.
Hang in there!!! Hope you are able to get the shifts you want for your future travel assignments! ❤️
Thank you so much 😭😭 I’m actually on a day shift assignment now! SOOOOO GRATEFUL
@@allthingsdami can you change it to day? Cause I’m planning to become one and I have no idea how the industry works
@@zzthelazy351 yeah so I had to push through it and finish that contract but I promised myself I would hold out on my next contract for a day shift assignment and I got it!
Rest? 😂 yeah new grad nurse here - I realized the life of an RN involves dehydration, hunger, exhaustion, and the occasional UTI due to not voiding for 12+ hours…..definitely why a lot of nurses leave bedside. It’s rough
Girl we’re in the trench foreal ! It really doesn’t have to be like that 😭😭 I was defo delulu for thinking I would get any rest 😅
Girl! You are not crazy .. If you can believe it I put in 17 years night shift being abused in Houston ERs .. I’ve worked LBJ , Methodist Memorial etc. I started travel nursing and see how nurses in other states actually take breaks .. management doesn’t have a fit if you clock in by 7 etc NEVER again … I will never abuse my body and mind like that. After my assignment in GA I now know Texas treats it’s nurses horribly.. and watch your back because they will tell you “ oh yea go ahead take your breaks” and then snitch on you… hang in there and continue the countdown.. you got this😁💪🏽
Oh yeah I’ve seen pretty quickly how people watch you. I kinda just assumed all of the states were like this. Kudosss to you for putting in 17 years 🙌🏾🤯 I’m in my 3rd year like can I go onnn😭😂 thank you so much for sharing girl we only have one body and we need to care for it ❤️
Oh my, expecting more than a 30 minutes break for in a 12 hour shift…is unheard of…..
ITS CRAZYYYY😂 oh man nurses go through it
I have heard from multiple people who used to do travel nursing/are doing travel nursing that Americans do not take breaks on nights. In my ICU we get 2 hours on nights and so many coworkers of mine went to the States and literally no breaks 😭 wondering if all states are like that.
But actually though ! I’d say I can’t imagine it but I actually lived through it 😭 I’m used to getting 2 hours as well and I even know some units that did 3! So yeah the transition was mad 🤦🏾♀️ I’m pretty sure it’s all of America
Been a nurse for 10 years. Never heard of having more than a 30 minute break?? And a sleep break…..uh, where they doin’ that at?? 🤔
Oh Woow! Everyday I’m learning more about true differences between nurses in the states vs Canada. I don’t think this happens everywhere but I think it’s more of a common practice here
It’s common in California on nights , I think you should
Consider traveling to cali sis
@@KaseyCandy25 sounds like it!
I just moved from CA I rarely got a break never experienced the ratios where it's only a certain amount of pts per nurse and all my money went to taxes.
Yall get breaks in other countries? And sleep breaks?
Yeah girl unless your patients unstable it was kind of an unspoken practice
Depending on the unit and how busy it is something you can only squeeze in 30mins not even. In month I would probably skip my break twice because of how busy it was.
But I can't even imagine only taking 30mins on a 12 hr night shift...and dazziitt???
It will be hard for me to transition cuz generally we take 2hr breaks on my unit
@@MisszBr33zY06 Yasss as you should be doing. Personally ,I found the transition hard at first but you kinda just adapt, think about how much you’re getting paid and try not to compare🤷🏾♀️
I feel like in the states; they overwork people like machines. I just got my license (RPN) last month, and I have plans to assess my documents to work in the states. The only reason I want to do this is that I want to be close to family. If not, I would not do it-more grease to your elbows. Virtual hugs.
LIKE MACHINES!! It’s actually so interesting how things contrast across the boarder ! Thanks girl 🤗
How long have you been a nurse? I’m sorry I’ve been a nurse for 13 years and never ever have I ever been able to nap for a break. Nights or days I’ve only had 30 minutes for a break on a 12 hr shift most times I don’t even get that 😢 it’s nursing I hate night shift so I suffer on days which is just as bad
Don't do nights I am a CVICU cannot even afford to leave my sickest patients even for 30minutes. Here it's like man up
Yes to the man up mentality ! I’ve notice that too and I don’t mind no break for day shifts but nights is another story
Where did you start your nursing career? Bc outside of California I didn’t know people got 2- 15 mins break and. 30?!?!
I started in Toronto up in Canada ! You’re right though I’m pretty sure it’s not common anywhere but California
@@allthingsdami I’m about to go to Toronto bc I need naps!!
@@biancakaylanerobbins6839 you deserve naps 😂
Lol welcome to Texas. Listening to your story is seriously the norm.
Reasons why I’m leaving bedside altogether.
Take me with you 😭😭😭 where too next ?
Awesome video Dami! I have a certain appreciation to nurses after the whole world’s eyes were opened to the importance of healthcare workers. I just subbed to your channel :)
Awee that means a lot!! Thank you so much 🥺💛
I would take my full hr break instead of the pointless two 15mins & one 30min.. That’s absolutely ridiculous in a 12 hr shift
I agree 100%! I just felt so watched and would just go with the flow and no one did that so I had my one 30mins and kept it pushing
Breaks are a luxury now for staff nurses.
SUCH A LUXURY !! It’s just crazy because we really work 12+ hr shifts. It’s very much not okay but not talked about
Omg you started travel nursing from Toronto?!? I need allllllll of your info on how you got into that process because I need to leave Toronto 😢
I do not do nights!
I’m on a day shift assignment now and I just pray I can get more in the future
Oh man… a 30 minute break for 12 hours is their normal?! That’s rough 😅
Yeah thank God I made it through but boyyy was it harddd! Tbh it still doesn’t make sense to me
Jeesss
So how do you even get an assignment I haven’t started yet but I’m getting ready to start school this August and just want all your great advice
That’s crazy they should give you all more than 30 minute break for working 12 hour night shift
Oh I 10000000% agree!! Nurses need to be treated better because that’s a madness 🤦🏾♀️
In Texas we get ONE 30min break. I'm curious where did you nurse before? I wanna go there
In Toronto 😭
@@allthingsdami I live in Ft worth welcome to TX. BUT YEAH THE STATES DO US NURSES DIRTY.
@@allthingsdami Actually California is the only state that is union, so breaks are actually given and taken
I’ve never heard of sleep breaks in nursing 😂
I guess I just don’t understand. This is the norm in the US.
Yeah makes sense. For the exact reason it was hard to understand cause this wasn’t common for me
Pack snacks And coffee
Gotta appreciate our 3 45 min to 1hr breaks at my work place 😬😭 I don’t think I could do this
Unless it’s a crazy busy day/night other coworkers/charge nurses will come through and cover for you so you can go on break
@@opeyolujonwo1976 Right !! I was sooo used to that ..oh how miss that life 😭 I feel like with traveling there’s literally opportunity to like relax and breath while you’re at work they kinda just want you to keep moving and keep going
What s wrong??
Pele ooo
E se ooooo😭😭😭😭
are u freaking out because you have to w.o.r.k.??