12-hour shifts: Bank Partners’ guide for NHS bank staff 

12-hour shifts have become standard practice in many NHS trusts and across many wards. For some, this shift pattern has certain advantages; working fewer days per week can be ideal – particularly for those with childcare or other considerations. However, there’s no denying that working on a ward for 12-hours straight can be tough at times. 

Here at Bank Partners, we asked a few of our amazing bank nurses what they do to help them get though the day – or night. They had some great advice, so please read on for the Bank Partners 12-hour shift guide for NHS bank staff! 

Preparation 

It’s important to get a full night’s sleep before a long shift – at least 7-8 hours. Avoid caffeine or alcohol before you go to bed and try and have a restful evening.  Eat a good breakfast, even if you don’t consider yourself to be a ‘breakfast person’. After all, you wouldn’t expect a car to drive 120 miles with no petrol! 

Preparing for a night shift is a little different and it’s important to find the strategy that’s right for you. Some find it useful to stay up late the night before, then sleep as much during the ensuing day. Others find it more effective to sleep as normal the night before and then, if possible, have a big carb-fuelled lunch and a long nap in the afternoon or early evening. 

Stay hydrated 

Dehydration can lead to dizziness, nausea and lack of energy, so it’s important to keep drinking water whilst on a shift. Although caffeinated beverages contribute to our daily fluid needs, too much caffeine can make you irritable and jittery, so try to limit your intake. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime, or a dash of squash. 

Sports and energy drinks can be useful: they contain carbohydrates and electrolytes that can increase energy levels and help the body to absorb water. However, choose wisely because they often contain high levels of sugar. Coconut water is a great alternative. 

Plan your meals and snacks 

You need to eat at least one meal and some snacks during your shift, so it helps to plan your food. Keep your energy levels up by incorporating ‘slow release’, unprocessed foods into your meals such as cereal, sweet potato, brown bread, bananas, yoghurt, berries, eggs and beans. 

When you’re struggling through a long day, a chocolate bar from the vending machine or cake from the canteen may be tempting but try to resist. Sugary, processed snacks will give you a short-lived boost before lowering your energy levels, which could mean disaster for your day. Instead, try a bag of nuts and an apple, or a banana with peanut butter. 

Stock up on Vitamin D 

Several research projects have highlighted the role vitamin D plays in maintaining the body’s normal bone health, immune system and muscle function. We obtain some vitamin D from our diet; good food sources include oily fish, orange juice, egg yolks and fortified dairy products. However, our main source of vitamin D is sunlight and for those working 12-hour shifts, lack of sunlight could be an issue. Supplements are a good way to boost vitamin D levels. Alternatively, invest in a light box and recreate sunshine indoors. 

Pack some essentials 

Before setting off, check the contents of your bag to ensure it contains everything you may need to get through 12 hours in a hospital. As well as food and liquids, our nurses recommended deodorant to freshen up, Vaseline or lip balm, reading material, headphones, hand cream, gum or mints, hairclips and bands, eye drops and a pen. 

Stay positive 

Sometimes it’s hard to stay positive – particularly in the middle of a long, demanding shift. But the patients are your priority, and the impact a friendly smile and upbeat, compassionate manner will have on them can’t be underestimated. 

Positivity is a state of mind and there are lots of techniques you can try that will help replace negative with positive. Try deep breathing for example, which releases not only stress and tension, but endorphins too, triggering positive emotions. 

Try to laugh more – this will also release endorphins. Other tips for a more positive outlook are meditation, a good diet, exercise, a good sleep pattern and always trying to find the optimistic viewpoint in a negative situation. 

Factor in some recovery time at home afterwards 

First, you need to get home safely. If you can, take public transport rather than drive. If you must drive, take a quick nap or a brisk walk beforehand and drive carefully. 

Once home, it’s important to take care of yourself and replenish your strength. Sit down, elevate your feet and, if possible, exfoliate and soak them in Epsom salts to avoid corns and calluses. Relax and enjoy your time before the next shift! 

We hope these tips help make your next 12 hour shift a little easier! Use these tips at your disposal, and register with Bank Partners for job alerts and more.