[optimisticRN]

Given all the demands of our work, what do you do to keep your energy up when you are on the job?

[cougarnurse]

As I work LTC, it can vary. A few times I may take a rezzie out for a walk around the 'center island' in our parking lot. One actually wore me out, though; 4 circuits wiped me! Did wonders for her, though.

'Cat'

[hsieh]

i stay energized by having an extremly easy job - though it doesn't pay as well as other jobs.

[TriageRN]

Coffee! LOL! No really it all has to do with mental attitude...I think not only am I at my job, but I am there to help and I need to give my best! That helps to keep me focused and energized . Especially if I get a compliment or two...then the energy is really felt!

[Ricu]

I don't know. So often I feel as though my job leeches me of essential elements. For some reason though, something happens and I just come to life once I'm out of report. I can really go from "I'd rather be getting my teeth drilled" to "okay, let's just do it." On the drive home, I listen to contemplative instrumental music. Some of my favorites are classics with ocean tides or streams in background, Native American compositions and contemporary spiritual/worship music. I load them all into the CD changer and then I decide what I want. It works for me.

R

[cougarnurse]

RICU, if you can, get ahold of some Carlos Nikei CD's; he is excellent!

[Ricu]

Originally Posted by cougarnurse

RICU, if you can, get ahold of some Carlos Nikei CD's; he is excellent!

Thanks Cat. I'll check it out.

R

[hsieh]

try Blink-182's cd Dude Ranch - that's my favorite. if you don't like coffee like me you can buy caffiene pills at the drugstore. i saw a cartoon in the paper once that said something like when you're low on caffiene depression goes up - i can't remember exactly. i've always wondered if they were testing anti deppressants and they gave one group caffiene pills if that group would report lessened depression. or how about a pill that mixes paxil with caffiene?

[cassioo]

for the most part I just keep on going then when I get in the car and drive 30 minutes home getting out of the car I can tell I'm worn out but then I stay up till midnight and get up at 5am. Those day's off I just do whatever I want to. Been off the diet cokes since my cruise in Nov (ok I've had 3 cans since 11/7)

[Cammer]

Originally Posted by optimisticRN

Given all the demands of our work, what do you do to keep your energy up when you are on the job?

Caffeine gtt 5mg/hour titrate to maintain GCS>10

Seriously though, I just try to maintain a positive perception of everything that's going on around me. I make sure I say hello to everyone, help people in my rare downtime, be friendly to the docs (it can be tough), and keep a smile on my face. It really works well and I go home feeling better at the end of the shift. A positive attitude is also infectious. The patients feel better and other staff members enjoy being around me.

I still need that midafternoon cup of coffee though.