How do other people handle 12 hour shifts?

Question

I'm an RN who works 12 hour night shifts. I'm so tired when I come home I just want to sleep. I'm on antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicine. I have been for 20 years. I have a 17 yo daughter and am separated from my husband of 3 years. My first husband died 15 years ago. I lost my dad the same year. 2 years later a sister.a few months ago a brother. all of cancer.I was there with all of them when they died. Im hurting I'm tired and all I want to do is cry. How can I keep up with housework and my job? My daughter is pregnant and isnt allowed to lift. she's 2 months and on partial bedrest. I really want to be able to keep up. I've missed so much work this year that 1 more day and I'll be fired. My missed days start to come off in Feb. I"ve been hospitalized 3 times in the last year for dehydration, migraine, and hypertensive crisis. Help!! Where can I find the energy to be all I have to be? Im tired and all I want to do is sleep and cry. Please help. I cant keep up!!!!How do u do it?

Answer 1

1st your a professional get down to basics, your body is telling you something maybe a leave is instore. How ever when I pulled 16 hour shifts I would drink the power drinks out. I worked3rd and had to work over to help cover days. Sounds like you have to much on your plate, I don't know you but I'm honestly concerned for you. I wish I could hop to where ever you are and help out. Is there a neighbor or relative to help take some of the load off of you?Please just eat well take Vitamin supplements and get as much rest as you can squeeze in, make it your time and no interruptions! Best wishes and you will be in my prayers.

Answer 2

Perhaps if you see a counselor, join a grief support group, or get involved in a church or somewhere that a network of people can love you and help you through this. It sounds like a lot to bear right now. You could learn relaxation with a counselor. Allow yourself to cry and grieve. I am reading "A Grace Disguised" by Jerry Sittser which deals with grief and loss as I have recently experienced the death of my 16 year old 7 weeks ago. If you find you are more cut off from relationships, please join a support group/church/ whatever to get the emotional support you need. Ask God to help. He's there for me - and will be for you.

Answer 3

first you need to prioritize, let a few chores go and get your rest. if your in the hospital from working to hard you will not be anybody any good. The bible says cast your care on Jesus and he will bring you rest. He will give you a dose of his Holy spirit to live in you and give you supernatural power to keep up. You need this spirit. John 3. And I know money is tight but I myself will not 12 hr days, I will make less and do 8 only, I am not a slave! But I know the cost of living is high. So go to the Lord in prayer and ask him for rest and he will get you a better job!

Answer 4

after 20 years of trying to keep up, you need to sleep and cry.

i know you are worried about your job so you don't want to take any days off. but here is what i think:

from reading your story, i know that i would just take a break. i tell people all the time, there is nothing wrong with breaking from everything as long as you understand that it may mean starting all over again (giving up a job, house, car, etc) but with the energy you can regain, you'll be up to the task.