By Keiran

Hospitals must run at maximum capacity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nurses have an essential role to play in securing this. With patients checking in and out constantly, health and social care workers work long hours and busy weekends, to provide the best care possible for their residents and patients.  

Nurses need a lot of Energy to stay energised, alert and professional on these tiring, lengthy shifts. Sometimes you can’t help but admire them and think: “Just how do they manage?” The team at Radar Healthcare has revealed the secrets behind the scrubs and revealed eight ways nurses keep their energy up on long and busy shifts. 

Without short breaks at regular intervals, energy depletes much faster since it hasn’t had a period to sustain itself.
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Ensuring that nurses are taking short, regular breaks is crucial for staying alert. These intervals allow them to recharge, hydrate, and grab a quick snack to sustain their energy levels.  Without short breaks at regular intervals, energy depletes much faster since it hasn’t had a period to sustain itself. Whatever profession, it’s always important to take breaks to recharge the batteries.  

Hydration 

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy and concentration. Nurses keep water bottles at hand and prioritise drinking water throughout their shifts. Dehydration is one way of effectively depleting energy levels very quickly, and you are likely to feel tired much quicker and struggle with concentration, so hydration is essential.  

Healthy Snacks 

Opting for fruit, nuts, yoghurt, or granola bars are healthy options to eat during short breaks to provide sustained energy without causing sugar crashes or fatigue. It’s essential to always ensure the snacks and meals you eat are nutritious and contain sources of carbohydrates and protein to provide energy that can be converted into glucose and last for a prolonged period.  

Stretching and Movement 
Some nurses incorporate stretching exercises and brief walks into their routines to prevent stiffness and improve circulation, helping to stay alert and focused. Stretching and brief exercise keeps energy flowing through the body and allows focus to be maintained for a longer period. 

Caffeine in Moderation 
 Whilst some nurses rely on a cup of coffee or tea for a quick energy boost, it is key to try to avoid excessive caffeine consumption, which can lead to jitters and disrupt sleep patterns. Small and irregular caffeine consumption keeps energy levels consistently boosted, whilst still allowing your body to produce energy naturally. Too much caffeine will result in a crash later in the shift, leaving you extremely tired.  

Supportive Footwear 
Comfortable and supportive shoes are essential for nurses who spend hours on their feet. Proper footwear reduces fatigue and prevents injury or discomfort. The stress and pain of uncomfortable shoes can distract nurses and in turn, reduce concentration and overall energy levels.  

Positive Mindset 
Maintaining a positive attitude helps nurses stay motivated and energised. Focusing on the rewarding aspects of their work can boost morale during challenging shifts. Having a negative attitude and mindset can be extremely demotivating. It causes energy and concentration to vanish due to a lack of motivation, meaning positivity is essential in the profession.

Supportive Teamwork 
Effective communication with the healthcare team ensures that tasks are coordinated, so everyone is on the same page. This reduces stress and allows for more efficient care delivery. Collaborating with colleagues provides not only assistance but also emotional support. Sharing experiences and camaraderie can boost morale and energy levels.

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect all or some of our beliefs and policy.  Any links on this page do not necessarily mean they have been endorsed by Defying Mental IllnessThe views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect all or some of our beliefs and policy.  Any links on this page do not necessarily mean they have been endorsed by Defying Mental Illness

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