RE: [ozmidwifery] Re: N/A

[B & G]

Title: Message

Oh to have nights like this. Most night shifts where I am it is rare to  even get a chance for a toilet break let alone something to drink. We have been trying for years just to get somebody to provide meal relief shifts in all three areas of Mid - BS, SCN and the ward which also has general clients to care for. We only have two staff in each area so when one is out doing an emergency LSCS or having to do transfers to the tertiary we are told 'just manage'! No luck thus far. Take care on the trip home. make sure you have a plan when you are simply so tired you start have mini naps on the drive. Pull over and sleep for at least 20 minutes. I have lost several good friends to MVA's due to falling asleep at the wheel over the years and I have myself 'woken' to see a tree heading for me! Cheers Barb -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Barbara H Stokes Sent: Friday, 17 March 2006 1:18 AM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: [ozmidwifery] Re: N/A Dear Tanya, Are you doing a 10 hour shift?  On my shift, in a small rural hospital, where we have general patients as well, from 2245 to 0715. After handover, do rounds, settle everyone, pain relief , assist feedings, tuck babies into beds with mums, do the appropriate paper work. Usually have a coffee about 0030, then during night I take my normal mueslie breakfast, piece of fruit, tea / water remainder of night.  Usually home by 8am, go straight to bed, have normal lunch when I get up about 1pm.  Get busy with house work etc, try to see the outside, garden etc.  Have dinner about 6.30pm to bed 7.30pm sleep (try) up at 10pm shower, good cup of coffee to work at 10.30pm. At work keep busy, check emergency equipment, learn something, take care with lots of reading as this can make you sleepy.  If you are not busy, do some exercises every hour, if really sleepy:  clean your teeth, wash your face etc. I take some needle work that I will do after 4am if not doing anything else.  However these days, we have the baby's hearing tests to do!  Two done tonight were a breeze. After being a midwife since 1972, I get very upset with staff putting their heads on desks/pillows sleeping.  You have to keep alert, you are being paid to work. It's great having a labouring mum, even better to have a birth. Like good health on day work, eat a healthy diet, exercise and sleep. Where are you working? good luck with your midwifery, Barbara, Parkes ---------- Original Message ----------- From: Tanya McPhail <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 20:24:50 +1100 (EST) Subject: N/A > Hi all, >   > I am a newly graduated Midwife, who has her first lot of night shift (5 shifts) coming up. >   > Does anyone have a tips for me? How to sleep best during the day, how to stay awake and alert during the night? >   > Thanks >   >   > On Yahoo!7 > Messenger: Make free PC-to-PC calls to your friends overseas. ------- End of Original Message -------