12 hours is a long time to be on your feet. How do you stay energized? For me, as long as I'm busy (which is most of the time!!) the 12 hours goes by super fast.

I spend a lot of time talking to my patients and getting to know them. Many times they are repeat patients and are very glad to see me. I will miss seeing them in the hospital because I will soon be working in an office setting. I agree that staying busy makes the day go by much faster. I'm wondering if I will be able to get used to working 5 days a week since I've done 3 twelves for the last 6 years? I have enjoyed getting my week finished in three days and having the other four off. We'll have to see? www.arnp.blogspot.com

Oh, but to answer the question, "How do you make it through?"
Stay busy!

I work 16 hours every Saturday, so working a 12 hour shift is a snap.

Stay busy and develop and incredible sense of humor. Laugh and appropriate play with your nursing familly will get you through any overtime shift.

Most of you see seem pretty positive about the long hours. I was wondering what you think are the characteristics of someone who can make it through such a long day and still remain upbeat and ready to do it again and again? It must take a special kind of person.

Oh, I agree!
A sense of humor is an absolute must! I work double weekends, and I like it, because then I have 5 days off if I want. Of course, it is in an Alzheimer unit, which can get a little hairy sometimes, so we all have to develop that sense of humor that makes things alright when that sundowners hits!
And, as everyone has said already, keeping busy is very helpful in making the time pass. We don't often have a lot of treatments, and after my medpass I find it quite relaxing and time-consuming to do everyone's fingernails.As a plus, I get to spend more time with the residents.

Hey--you're only working a half day!

Big coffee, big smiles, big jokes. I also eat a LOT of fresh fruit through a 12 shift, whenever I get the munchies I eat an apple, orange or banana. It gives you a wee minute to just stop and refocus, rehydrates you (because you'll be peeing like a horse after all that coffee in the morning) when you forget to drink water (you do have a water canteen, right?) and gives you a lovely wee zip of natural sugars to get you over the humps.

Failing that? I nap in the back of my vehicle on my second break. :)

No, but I have a green tea addiction. I usually work out before I go to work, and take my vitamins, and monster drinks. I only drink coffee when I m dead tire, especially from going to school and working 2 jobs.

Nursesean said:

Find a way to smile and have fun at work! Specifically, Don't be afraid to actually enjoy your job! If you do, your 12 hours will be wonderful!

I am actually a confirmed coffee adict, I get my coffee from "Fair Trade" coffee distributer in Brazil. I maintain that the best coffee comes from Africa, bar that Brazilian is next to best.

As for Red Bull, I am still in denial.

Caffine, smile, and visene!

Coffee addict here. However I recentlly found Monster energy drinks and I think I'm becoming addicted to them too. As for long hours I work m/n to noon so about the time we start to get tired it's time for am med pass..then day shift starts and the next four hours pass very quickly.

I love the day shift, I get to interact with my res. quite alot. The first payday I had as a nurse I was astounded that they were paying me that much just to take care of 15 of my grandmothers and 15 of my grandfathers. As for the day it just shoots by, as a matter of fact can anyone tell me where 2007 went. Seems like just last week it was Spring.