How I Get Through 3 In A Row Shifts In The Hospital

If you're familiar with 12 hour shifts, then you know how hard it can be to knock out 3 in a row especially on your feet all day. In this video I'm sharing my tips on how I make it through. Enjoy
XO Lexi
CHECK OUT MY BLOG
www.thenursenook.com
Subscribe: bit.ly/TheNurseNook
CONNECT WITH ME
IG: @aalexisnicole
/ aalexisnicole
Email: [e-mail]

[@joicymone]

Can you do a " what I eat in a day " breakfast , lunch & snacks " for work

[@haddisr5042]

YESS I SECOND THIS!!

[@samf3308]

yes !!

[@rociocastaneda4903]

I third this?

[@ceekay9076]

Working 12s you literally only have time to travel home, eat dinner, shower, and get yo ass to bed! Literally no time to decompress, visit with family, nada... 😭

[@alexguy96]

i work 17 hours a day, two full time jobs, (6am-11:30pm) after my first job ending at 3pm im on to the next where i have to drive about 30 minutes give or take to get to. i finish at around 11:30 pm if my warehouse team finishes* (if we dont i get to leave at 12:00am). if i were to add in travel time im essentially working 18 hours a day 5 days straight 6 hours to sleep......but when i get home i can eat a person because all ive eatin all day was crappy fast food so i go to bed maybe at 2 or 1:40am after makin a meal to wake up at 6am to start another 18hr shift. im 22 makin maybe 61k.. but god..... i need to save up all i can ,trying to be a RN but i come from a poor family all i can do is hustle i guess.

[@Cat-ng8yu]

alexguy96 hey Idk what state you are in, but in Texas we have a workforce solutions( I think all states have them). They will pay for your LVN. I didn’t come from much, but wish when I went for my first degree I looked into what the government offers. Also look into college scholarships, there are a lot of donors who give to nursing students. I hope your able to save up and get some assistance, good luck!

[@alexguy96]

Catharine thank you definitely looking into it.

[@ramaoore32]

alexguy96 you got this !!

[@NikkiMonisha]

I'm actually looking forward to working these 12 hr shifts back to back and have a 'mini' vacay lol...atleast for now lol....I just passed my NCLEX a couple of days ago and I can't wait to see wait nursing has in store for me!! Absolutely love you're videos...keep 'em coming!

[@swm1744]

NikkiMonisha congrats on passing! Good luck on your nursing career!!

[@tarasvibess9787]

NikkiMonisha congrats ❤️

[@lindseytoney4958]

congrats sis ! 👏🏽

[@amandaoser7200]

Congrats!

[@MariahLashayWay333]

NikkiMonisha any Advice u can give me on Nclex? And tips? And congratulations good luck to u

[@mistery-ed7900]

I retired from nursing. When I was working I would be up at 4:00 AM and would leave for work at 5:45 or so. I would be really fortunate if I got off on time..(7:15). It would usually be more like 8:00 or later. Then to bed at 10:00. It was tough but I liked it. I just needed my time off and vacations! That kept me going. All your advice especially keeping hydrated and taking time to pee is really important. I often didn't do that and it would take a toll on me.

[@keithmarlin1873]

I swear I’m obsessed with your intro beat! I literally replay it like 4 times before watching your vid lol!

[@nyjerahb6921]

Keith Marlin it’s the beat to the song timeless by a boogie

[@keithmarlin1873]

Nyjerah Anyé wow thanks!

[@TheNurseNook]

Keith Marlin sammeeeee I jam to it every time lol

[@lovenephtalie]

Same

[@GodsPrincess323]

Yees 💜

[@cozetteeastman1952]

I feel you girl. I did three 12's in a row, one day off, and 3 more in a row this past week. I about died or exhaustion. Still recovering

[@mayacarraway8953]

Girl I get it! I honestly love twelve hour shifts. Right now I'm working two 16's in a row which is hell. 8 hours between shifts leaves me no time to sleep. The bright side is that it's only two days a week!

[@lilysoribe5088]

I did a 12 hour shift 3 days in a row for 3 straight months and I can honestly tell you that was the hardest highlight of my career as a Registered Nurse! I honestly had to reevaluate my motives about being in this profession! At the days end, there’s absolutely nothing else I’d rather be doing but definitely excluding those harrowing 72 straight hour shifts! Thanks for your amazing content 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@valessiaharris8138]

Thank you for breaking this down... I try to explain this to my husband all the time! 12s are no joke when you are doing multiple in a row. I work in an emergency department too it can be so busy and it can be emotionally draining sometimes

[@alexiscoleman1514]

12 hour shifts are so brutal 😂 !! I swear i have to do MAAAAAJOR meditation to get myself ready! I feel like i have absolutely no time to breathe

[@dessiedifranks3244]

I start next week working in an ED as a CNA and this video couldn't have came with better timing. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@ClaireCarmichael]

Love this!! You’re so right. No one understands me either when I say I’m on 3 shifts. I unfortunately live almost 2hrs away from my placement area! That’s 4 hours out of that. I get home KO, wake up and carry on. I’ve heard a lot about compression socks lately! I really need to try these thanks for the tips!! :-) loving the lip stick too!! ❤️ Keep rocking it.

[@Jlindss]

once you wear compression socks you wont be able to stop, id suggest just sucking it up and letting your legs adapt and become stronger :)

[@ClaireCarmichael]

Jordan L thank you!! :-)

[@Abmarp]

Jordan L really??? Please explain !!!!

[@Jlindss]

I used compression stockings for my 3rd year of school and I thought they helped a lot, however my body got used to or adapted to always wearing them and the odd day I forgot to wear them or if they were dirty my legs felt like bricks. In my 4th year and senior practicum, I never wore them once, my legs hurt for the first couple weeks, but after that my legs adapted and became stronger to the point where I could be on my feet all day ..a lot longer than if I was wearing compression stockings. Just make sure you have good shoes that's half the issue as many nurses don't realize it and I was one of them

[@ClaireCarmichael]

Jordan L That’s great advice!! To be honest, I do have really good shoes which helps a lot. It makes perfect sense what you’re saying 😁 I was luck with my last placement as it was in a community clinic and I wasn’t on my feet 24/7. But my next placement is back on the ward at the hospital and my legs are going to ache for the first week haha! But you’re right, suck it up and it will be alright.

[@samanthawiddowson3726]

ours are 14 hour shifts, 7am-9pm but only having to do this three times a week is so much more bearable that a 9-5 - five days a week x

[@marinanadobny2848]

I just started at a hospital as a PCT and I have 3 12s tmrw-Thursday. This video really helped me :) thank you so much!!

[@TheWarWitch.]

Lets not forget how some hospitals will set you up. Let’s say you work 3 in a row this work week so (fri, sat, sun) then the next work week starts on Monday so they will literally have you scheduled for (mon, tues, wed) and you end up working six days in a row. But get paid as if you did it separate. It’s BS

[@aking024]

Dang!

[@gisseloxoxo]

GAH DAMN

[@missb1982]

No ma am that shouldn't even be allowed smh

[@JasmineS_12]

But then you get 8 days off so if you can take it, it actually isn’t a bad shift.

[@NurseLiG414]

Your unit should have rules against this. Mine had a rule you couldn’t work more than 4 in a row without approval. You shouldn’t work in a hospital that doesn’t allow you to self schedule anyway 😝

[@ebonyrivera11]

when I did 12s I almost always did my three in a row. Sometimes I would break it up a little if my school load was heavy but I almost always clustered together so I could have a lot of days off. Eating enough and staying hydrated is sooooooooo important I can always tell that I haven’t had enough water when I’m about 6hrs Into my shift. Another tip I recommend is if you have a really tough assignment or patient two nights in a row if it’s possible request to not have that patient back. I worked in icu and my manager really tried to respect this if she knew the patient and their family were difficult or if the patient was just super sick because it can be exhausting to have really sick patients days in a row

[@paige6094]

The most I’ve worked in a row is 9 12s and you just gotta take it 1 day at a time and forget what happened the day before.

[@shelbyeaston1198]

So I just started watching your videos... and I've always wanted to be a nurse and watching your videos makes me more excited to be a nurse all your tips on how you like get your food ready the day before how to manage your times how different nursing actually is then what people say. I just want to say THANK YOU and I will continue to watch your videos if you keep making more. Thank u sm!!

[@kalenmehlhaff-fuentes3732]

Alexis! I loved this! I’m in my first semester of nursing school as a nontrad and a mom with two kids. I hear all of the time, “Don’t drink too much because you will NOT have time to use the bathroom!” I never understood that. I am an avid water drinker and couldn’t imagine giving that up. Thank you for this.

[@cozetteeastman1952]

I think that is so false! I pee whenever I need to, don't worry girl. Although it might be different in the ER than on the medical floors. Not sure about that I suppose since I work med/surg.

[@julieswatosh8472]

That is why i get my 3 days separated Monday Wednesdays and fridays hunny with 4 kid's it's a mess.. .

[@jasminreyes6183]

Julie Cruz hmm smart I was wondering like wait but I have a family at home when will I see or spend time with them like this set up 👍

[@ashleydelano5702]

Julie Cruz Do you have any tips for a mom working these hours? I’m about to start my first nursing job and I have four kids as well. I don’t know how I’m gunna handle it. It’s night shift :/

[@beautifullykayla]

Wow this is a smart idea

[@julianacheriza1575]

I feel like it would be better if it’s 3 in a row because you have the rest of the week off

[@taylorklauk2430]

Just decided a few days ago to switch my major to nursing! I’m super excited and your videos helped give me perspective as to being a nurse!

[@_ayosuga_]

I'm a CNA and I hate doing 12's, they are so exausting.... the typical schedule for my hospital is 6/7 days on (12hr shifts) and 8 days off. I don't know how people do it, I would die.

[@sikirav1891]

Thanks for the video! I start my nursing clinics this month! Wish me blessing!

[@sunimurphy2221]

Yasss I just started working in the float pool as a Pct & I have been struggling with my 3 12’s. I’m so glad I came across this video

[@morgannixon9812]

I used to work 13.5 hour days in a row! And CHILDDD that day off in between is so much better!!

[@lornabrooks4484]

Girl Lmaoo the snacks is gonna keep me going for those 12 hours when I graduate !! Plus eating just keeps me so happy 😀 in clinical I’m literally a squirrel with my bars and nuts in my pocket lol 😂

[@22Troyesha]

I love this video very informative I’m on my last semester of nursing and I’m trying to figure out rather to do nights or days and his helped me understand what to expect after this semester and nclex so thank you btw I love all of your videos!!

[@OrlandoMagicRRZ]

there's this thing called intermittent fasting. its a big thing in the fitness community right now, but I've noticed that with our shifts at 12s its almost perfect to incorporate it in a "fit" nurse regiment. Im not going to elaborate but it works. As to how you all unwind? i have no idea. i go to the gym and pass out. my days off belong to my son. much love to the most underrated profession in the world!

[@marshallricquelya]

This was a big help. I didn’t realize that there was so little time between shifts until you broke it down lol Can you do a video about passing the TEAS?

[@cristinaguzman9588]

I’m so glad I found your channel!

[@NakMusic92]

Thanks girl just in time! About to start my first acute care job on the surgical floor!

[@missdee3525]

Nikki Kennedy how do you like the surgical floor? Will be starting my first acute care job on the surgical floor next month.

[@annas9720]

also factor in the nurses who have kids or families!! my god 😯

[@Andrea-do5hv]

I got into a class where we go to a hospital and learn a lot about what nurses/doctors basically anyone who works there does I am so exited 👏

[@MIKEYPROGAMER]

As a medic, I loved doing my four 12hr shifts or 3 whichever I choose that week, So I could have that mini vacay with my son.

[@jessehill4866]

What are your go-to snacks? Love your channel. 💖

[@thissGee]

I used to do three 12’s in a row but it really burned me out especially since I work nights 😩

[@jeffwilliams7484]

Are night shifts harder?

[@NurseLiG414]

Jeff Williams hell yeah they are

[@TheIrishWolf34]

Jeff Williams I feel like nights are harder. I work nights, coming home the sun messes with your circadian rhythm and then you have to deal with daytime noises (lawn mowers, kids playing in the summer, dogs barking, UPS ringing your doorbell etc.). On the upside, at work there are usually very few admins (sometimes that is good, sometimes bad), less traffic (or at least in my case I travel against the traffic (although it still takes me an hour each way to get there). But after 5+ years I am burning out. Granted I am 58 and came to this career late in life and maybe others younger than I can tolerate it but for me it is rough. Did 3 in a row for the first 4 years, now I must split them up to survive.

[@MegaRafaelloco]

Night shift is hard, but it’s nothing that a little breakfast can fix. I’m single, and from my experience, they weren’t too bad.

[@tsegeredayisrael5994]

@@TheIrishWolf34 I'm also interested coming into this career late wondering if you think it's worth it from your experiences so far these past 5 years? Thanks

[@LisaLynnlife]

I love learning these tips!!!

[@thestudybunny586]

That was my shift schedule last weekend, but I ended up staying for 18 hours all 3 shifts instead. Lets just say I took my weekend off.

[@beachblondenurse1146]

you should get a hydroflask! that way, you'll be reducing plastic use and your water will be sooooo nice and cold all day long...i have one and I love it sooo much i bring it with me everywhere! when i start working, i'm gonna go back to this video to remind myself what I need to do...i really like the advice you gave and i think something that i struggle with for sure is getting enough sleep in so definitely gonna need to be reminded of this haha

[@espi11]

i live in california and went to the hospital recently and i asked my nurse about her experience so far and she says she gets no flexibility what so ever and such, she explained like the differences between her and a RN. can you do a video explaining the differences of nurses and the different schooling behind them? cause thats what confuses me 😥

[@realry329]

Here in Philippines, the hardest situation I encountered was 7 days of 12 hours shift in a row (Private hospital). 3 nurses in 1 station catering 15 patients which is 4 of them that time was intubated-attached to mechvent. So hard that all of us 3 almost got seriously sick during that 7 days straight 12 hours shift. Thats how understaff the hospitals here in Ph that even hospitals were earning millions per week, they dont bother to give us salary increase. :( Anyway, I just pass NCLEX few months ago and currently on the process of I-140 filing. Hopefully everything went well.

[@wifefee]

I hope everything worked out for you !!

[@nicasaintfleurant620]

Hey, loved the video! I was looking into getting some New Balance shoes, any specific ones you recommend?

[@LifeAtTiffanys]

I work six 12 hour shifts in a row 😩 at a hospital. This is the schedule I was given as a new grad nurse just off orientation. I get 8 days in a row off.

[@sammy69831]

193tiffany oh hell no girl 6 back to back???!

[@jordanisbliss]

Soon as that money start talking ill come in EVERYDAY OF THE MONTH lol

[@MegaRafaelloco]

Mario Plushies and Gaming If you’re single, it can doable. It starts getting messy with kids/family.

[@charitajohnson5717]

Thank you I really liked this video I’m a care partner now first hospital but 10 years of experience as CNA and it’s different coming from long term care to hospital but I wanted a change. Thanks honey

[@nana73834]

Alexis you should try the Alegria shoes, they are specially made for nurses or people in the medical field who stand for long periods of time!

[@emtravelrn1]

They are awesome! I alternate between Alegria and Dansko XP.

[@emtravelrn1]

Actually, Dansko now has a XP Pro 2.0 verson with a gel footbed and lighter weight heal. They don't feel like a brick the way the regular ones do.

[@haleyb4610]

I started a residency program in the NICU where I live and I'm on month two with a coach and we are to follow our coach's schedule before we go on our own (which I'll be on my own officially September 1!) But my coach does 6 on, 8 off. Lord has it been rough doing 12 hour shifts 6 days in a row 😑 I am so ready to be able to make my own schedule. It's nice to have 8 days off but it definitely takes getting use too especially being on nights currently. I agree though, clumping shifts together is waaaaay better then doing them sporadically.

[@jessicacancela4315]

I like to break my shifts up and sometimes do 3 12s in a row. If I do 3 12's all the time I just feel so exhausted and like I am not able to enjoy my days off especially since I work night shifts. But yes girl, snacks are key! My coworkers always make fun of me too because I am always eating but it really does help you keep going! And I am also not a coffee drinker! I usually drink those v8 energy green tea to give me a little boost!

[@thatfashiongeek87]

I cannot with people who say to me how are you tired you only work 3 days.... Like yes it's true I squeeze your entire 5 day work week into 3 days often times 3 days in a row and like you mentioned 12s are never just 12s. People don't get it...the struggle is real! Thanks for sharing!

[@abbygriffin3218]

Yes exactly! Like they say you only worked three days but I managed to get 37.5 hours minimum in because with have 12.5 hr shifts. But honestly with every shift usually being 13-14 hours, were getting 39-42 hours in before picking up any shifts.....

[@haileylee7363]

I recently got hired as night shift icu nurse :) I'll be starting soon and I hope to work 3 days in a row as well so that I have the rest of the week to my self hehe. I also plan to vlog my journey ;) ty for making your videos~ they are very inspiring! :D

[@jamespeek4846]

I love what your doing !

[@justdanie7613]

I hate working the 2 12s in a row, but I had to schedule around events. but I'll do 2 12s, at least 1 day break, then another 12, then an 8hr shift for overtime, then 2 off days between

[@nicktills2786]

I'll take 3 12s any week just to have those 4 days off though lol.

[@racheledmundson6547]

I love this ❤️ I meditate before work as well

[@titij7733]

Thanks for posting these. Vids and love your lipstick. What do you do?

[@ajborys]

I do 4 10 hour shifts in a row at my job with Amazon. Then I get 3 days off in a row. I enjoy my schedule and 3 day weekends. Basically I’m doing 11.5 hours a day, that includes commute time round trip

[@Marie-xx5oi]

I will have a very busy schedule soon Thank you for this video!

[@chaloncollier3002]

Ummmm I work 5 12 hour shifts in a row. 😀💜 love your channel. Very fun. Xoxo

[@M.C06]

Love this, could you recommend a brand for compression socks?

[@teerah003]

We do 4 twelves in a row, but swing shifts. It really splits it up & gets you into a decent schedule.

[@treanthony9831]

I do two 10 hour shifts Friday and Saturday 6 hours Sunday and Tuesday 4 hours so I get three and a half days off as a massage therapist. I’m never working 5 and 6 days a week again. I work my shift and go home. It’s refreshing and you get more quality time with the fam.

[@Mimilyynnn]

"I eat like a grown man." Lol I can relate. I know how you feel about these shifts. I do 16 hour shifts, and it seriously wears me out! I go home, sleep, shower, and eat at work from the cafeteria. It's too much, I need a vacation! 💤💤💤

[@priyasatani6851]

I love ur videos and your intro music!!

[@Quit3Cut3]

I’m a night shift rt, and my fiancé doesn’t get how exhausting it is. He works a normal Monday through Friday job and sometimes has the option of getting done early. We never have that option. I try to place my 3 shifts in a row unless I need certain days off. Then I try to flip back to a normal sleep schedule on my days off.

[@mimosadiva]

I find the nursing field interesting but I'm afraid that I will burn out fast with the work schedule. I have two kids too.

[@godsgirl7201]

How do y'all stay healthy I would get sick so fast when I don't get more than 6hrs of sleep😭😭😭

[@karlamarro7494]

You are amazing! excellent content!

[@kerrinwilliams4882]

Hey girl!! Love ur video and thanks for the nuggets... my feet always hurting... what state are u working in... I'm looking to relocate... I wanna come back to the ED and work..

[@sharonsmith4659]

At my unit, we are not allowed to keep drinks at the nurses station. I work in a dialysis unit and it’s hard to leave my patients and go all the way to the break room to get a drink. But you’re right, I have to figure it out because I am dry girl by the end of the day.

[@TheNurseNook]

Sharon Smith i would sneak myself IV fluids lol

[@rudyl1770]

Y don't u carry the small water bottles n put one in ur pocket so whenever u thirsty u have that to keep u going till u can make it to the break room for a bigger 1

[@emelyaguirre154]

Hid a camel back lol

[@therealjamarican06]

Imagine single moms like me who usually end up on the 13 hour end of shifts lol. Talk about mastering a five min cat nap standing up during down times which is RARE 😂

[@daniellekoen2274]

Great video thanks!

[@marywilliams2169]

I would much rather have my shifts in a row too , so I can have those 4 days off to just relax!!!!

[@robinmossing3399]

I get that.....private practice is a way around it.

[@micahsmith6331]

Thanks for this video 😊

[@marinacover6274]

Do you recommend getting your RN after your ASN and work while getting your BSN or getting your BSN before you start working?

[@rociocastaneda4903]

What green yea do you drink?

[@lisalove2999]

Your such a dope person. I wish you many blessings

[@sfort515]

I can't even imagine, actually, I kind of do understand. When I was in the Army and deployed we did 12hr shifts and we only had 1 day off, it sucked so bad. It was like a gift from God at the end when we finally switched to 8 hr shifts, I had so much more free time lol.

[@ahrayanatoney1848]

S Fort you said when you were meaning past tense, so you’re not in the Army anymore ?

[@sfort515]

Ray Ray nope, ETS in 2014.

[@LA.Face.Monroe]

Facts in the army as a supply mos we worked 13/14 hrs plus I was a Sgt so I had 24hr duty a lot!! I ETS 2014 too!

[@sfort515]

LA.Face.Monroe same, my unit stayed putting me on CQ.

[@maleekaellis1046]

Hey girly; which New Balance shoes do you recommend? I’m about to start clinical here in Orlando

[@lisadesmidt7991]

What kind of compression socks do you own?

[@fatimarizvi1270]

ur so badasss, so inspiring, Thanku fo the tips :)

[@JessieJames89JG]

I did 4 in a row and I was struggling. Never again if I can help it. I’m gonna stick to doing my 3 nights.

[@acaraje2933]

Great video. Not related, sorry, but can you do a video on your skin care routine? You have such a healthy glow. I really liked the idea about listening to a motivational podcast on the way to work.

[@snicker_38gaming]

My schedule crazy but I don’t mind the in between rather than 3 straight 12’s. For ex. Monday, (off tues. wed.), work Thursday, and Friday….

[@julieswatosh8472]

Your color is everything on this video. Love it..

[@TheNurseNook]

Julie Cruz thank you boo!

[@bryannajordan7814]

I love your channel god bless you

[@maiahtarinhughes1748]

I’m a behavioral health tech at a hospital and I do 12 hour shifts but my days are spilts Monday, Friday and Saturday which is okay since I have a 3 month old, and he has a lot of doctors appointments

[@B.Alanyse]

I have been a tech in the ER, worked in a warehouse and I'm currently a patient service rep in admissions. The hardest 12's I've done were the ones in the ER, ripping and running the whole night. My feet would literally be BURNING. I work 12's now as a psr because we are short-staffed and I've done 5 12's in a row. (Sitting on my ass, not involved in direct patient care, with a lot of downtime) It was nowhere near as hard as working 3 12's in a row as a TECH in the ER, not a nurse, I'm assuming that adds a whole different level of stress to the equation. Maybe I just like punishment because I'm waiting on my acceptance into nursing school (I'm an alternate, unfortunately ) so I can get back to the patient care side of things.

[@RNScrub]

It’s a good schedule but it can tired your body out a lot. Compression socks are what keeps you going.

[@Jesusfreak3378]

I was just in the hospital and had an excellent nurse who worked 3 12 hours in a row,, Nurses , especially 12 hour shift nurses, get my UTMOST RESPECT a great nurse will make or break a patients stay and recovery... ugh i shoulda been a nurse,,, too old now

[@cahootsful]

Hey I’m new to your channel so sorry in advance if this video is already out there .... But I just got accepted into nursing school and a video on your favorite ted talks and motivational videos/sources would be really great !!!!

[@anncampbell3059]

What kind of New balance shoes you wear please!

[@DYLANJJK94]

If you have two 30 minute breaks, should you only take a nap for 1-2 of those if you’re absolutely exhausted?

[@nneoma9240]

I can’t do 3 days in a row, have to do 2 then my last day. So exhausting

[@julianacheriza1575]

Do you start your 12 hour shift at night or the afternoon/morning?

[@youknow_serina6505]

Do you get to pick your schedule?

[@gloriajohnson7670]

Hi! Can you make an informational video on nurse practitioners?

[@rachelpaige9884]

You are fantastic and I adore you.

[@slb5150]

It's a tough gig for sure...Been doing this shift 28 years (on nights)...but not as a nurse.

[@queenbee7074]

Bahaahhaa i am not even a nurse but i already feel like im getting into the profession.. thank you for ur videos

[@susansees4335]

What about breaks? Allowed to go to your car?