4 Ways for a Tired Nurse to Stay Energized Throughout a Nursing Shift
As a nurse, you’re ready for anything. It’s just another day when your shift turns into a double, that one coworker called in again, and it seems like half the county is on your rounds. Still, you are one tired nurse! So how can a tired nurse find a fresh source of energy? We have four ways to help you stay energized throughout your nursing shift. And no, none of them include drowning your soul in coffee.
Plan Energy Snacks
Lunch? Emergencies and workload can mean your lunch break gets pushed back or skipped entirely. Running on empty makes it even harder to get through a shift. Plan energy snacks to eat on the run in between patients or while you’re charting. Instead of grabbing a candy bar or chips, plan snacks that give you energy. You’ll be amazed at how much food impacts your energy levels.
Energy Boosting Snacks:
Almonds
Yogurt
Bananas
Edamame
Fruit Slices & Nut Butter
Turn Up the Heat & Stay Hydrated
While every nurse knows hydration is vital, staying hydrated while working is another matter entirely. If you usually reach for energy drinks, coffee, or soda to get through a shift, try THRIVE Heat. You don’t even need water or a cup for this one. Rip off the top and pour the powder into your mouth to instantly increase energy and improve your mental focus and clarity. The energy blend in THRIVE Heat includes green tea, caffeine, and dandelion – safely boosting energy.
Because of THRIVE Heat, you won’t need energy drinks. Instead, grab water to stay hydrated. If the thought of plain water sounds boring, add THIRST or THIRST IC. Available with or without caffeine, THIRST packets will conveniently fit in the pockets of your scrubs. THIRST contains electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to keep you hydrated and running strong.
Remember Your “Why”
Why did you become a nurse? Some nurses go into the field because they lost a loved one or personally experienced the difference a caring nurse can make. Many nurses just love people and care about making the world a better place. Others have worked hard so they can provide for their family.
Whatever your “why” is, hold onto that. When you’re tired and discouraged, take a moment to pause, breathe and recenter yourself. Please remember what you are doing matters. A nurse is an important advocate for their patients.
Take Care of Yourself
In your passion to care for others, don’t forget to take care of yourself. If you’re constantly tired at work, you may be worn out from pushing too hard. We get it, it’s hard to take care of yourself when there are so many pressing concerns in life. Self-care is as important as what you do and it’s one of the most important keys to staying energized throughout your shift.
The first steps in self-care are getting enough sleep and proper nutrition. Whether you’re working 5x8s, 4x10s, or 3x12s, schedule in time for rest, restoration, and physical care. If you don’t plan for it, you’ll find yourself getting run down and even more tired during work.
An easy way to add proactive, nutritional care to your routine is with the easy three-step THRIVE Experience. The THRIVE Experience includes premium Lifestyle Capsules, an Ultra Micronized Shake Mix, and a lifestyle DFT with Fusion 2.0 Technology. So fast and easy to add to your daily schedule, it’s almost like it was created just for tired nurses. You’ll be amazed at what it does for your physical performance and your mental acuity.
As you work to care for your body and get through your shifts with strength and energy, don’t forget to take care of your mental health. Nursing can take a real emotional toll, and having emotional support is a big part of self-care. You’re not alone, there is support available; look for a Warmline or peer support group.
Don’t Give Up
When stress in the workplace increases, fatigue levels often go up. We want to encourage you not to give up. Your work as a nurse is incredibly valuable.
