Calling nurses for help

[AutumnPunkin 313]

Hello,

So I am in the pre-op stage, and will be getting my surgery in the next few months. My question for you nurses is; how do you get all your required food an nutrients in on a work day.

I am a student nurse with clinical, and I am wondering how to best use my pouch during a day and during shift work.

Thanks ❤

[vicki s 146]

I am a retired RN, but I know what your talking about....even being retired, I take a thermal tote with ice packs in the car with me because im only 6 wks out and eat small frequent meals...pack some yogurt, boiled eggs, string cheese..protein bars..jerky, pepperoni, etc....depending on your stage...I drink alot of arizona iced tea so i take the gallon in the car with me and carry a reusable double walled cup...hope this helped, good luck and congratulation on your surgery and your clinicals...

[Molly1978 6]

I'm not an RN but I do work in the health care field in a hospital. I've learned that I have to prepare prior to work. Whether it's packing a lunch/water/vitamins, or just preparing mentally. I know it sounds a little self-centered but, I would talk about what I needed to do to with my co-workers. Actually, now that I think about it, I talk about it all the time at work! ha ha! Now I talk about it because another one of my close coworkers is going through the same process so, that also helps me to stay focused.

Bottom line, you're going to have to make time for yourself. I know it will be hard. Nurses work HARD. But, once you get into a routine at work, it will get easier. Good luck!

[AutumnPunkin 313]

I am a retired RN' date=' but I know what your talking about....even being retired, I take a thermal tote with ice packs in the car with me because im only 6 wks out and eat small frequent meals...pack some yogurt, boiled eggs, string cheese..protein bars..jerky, pepperoni, etc....depending on your stage...I drink alot of arizona iced tea so i take the gallon in the car with me and carry a reusable double walled cup...hope this helped, good luck and congratulation on your surgery and your clinicals...[/quote']

There are some really great ideas here! Thank you!

[AutumnPunkin 313]

I'm not an RN but I do work in the health care field in a hospital. I've learned that I have to prepare prior to work. Whether it's packing a lunch/water/vitamins' date=' or just preparing mentally. I know it sounds a little self-centered but, I would talk about what I needed to do to with my co-workers. Actually, now that I think about it, I talk about it all the time at work! ha ha! Now I talk about it because another one of my close coworkers is going through the same process so, that also helps me to stay focused.

Bottom line, you're going to have to make time for yourself. I know it will be hard. Nurses work HARD. But, once you get into a routine at work, it will get easier. Good luck![/quote']

That is a good point. I am not sure how "share-ey" I am, but you have a valid point. We in the healthcare, often forget to care for ourselves.

[nursejb 38]

haven't had surgery yet IM wondering the same thing. I work on a Busy tele floor some days I don't pee for 7or more hours let alone drink. I asked my doctor for 8 weeks off to hopefully make sure I have all the kinks worked out for my new lifestyle. Surgery date is 9/30 we shall c! good luck to u

[terry1118 1,274]

I work in a bank and sometimes we are so busy I either can't drink or forget to drink. Then at lunch time I can't drink w/food. I try to make up for it by drinking in the morning before work. I drink a bottle when I get up, then my Protein shake, then I drink on the ride to work. Then I challenge myself to drink a whole bottle of Water on my ride home (20 minutes). In the evening I drink more and sometimes I add another Protein Shake if I need more Protein.

If you find a ready made Protein Shake that you like you can use them at work - it's a great way to get protein and liquid at the same time. Chobani little champions Greek yogurt is good for work too. They're a smaller size so you can eat one fairly quickly. The same with Think Thin Bites (small Protein Bars - about half-size). I carry the bars in my purse. When your able to, try Ostrim beef and Ostrich meat sticks. They're tasty, portable, and have 14gr of protein - another purse staple. I like Cracker Barrel individually wrapped cheese Snacks too. I also carry an insulated lunch bag with a cold pack everywhere I go.

I have a good routine down for my Vitamins but I find taking my Calcium more of a problem because I can't take it near my multi or my thyroid med. I keep some in my lunch bag and some in my purse so I can take it whenever I think of it. With time you'll figure out a routine that works for you and a back-up plan for your busier days. Good luck to you!