1) You are legally entitled to your breaks. It is safer for you AND your patients if you take your breaks. Be prepared to advocate/stand up for yourself.

For better or worse we are creatures of habit. Develop a wind-down/after shift routine so your brain and body can shift into rest & digest. Same playlist, same snack, same whatever. You’re done for the day, your body only knows by your actions - give clear indications.

I’m per Diem in PACU, down to working 1 day per week (thankfully my husband’s income allows this), but I end up feeling every shift like I just can’t find a good rhythm. It’s like I need to work more at this job or not at all. So frustrating. I’m already a yoga teacher, but that pays pennies. I love teaching anatomy and physiology, but only have a BSN.

Very insightful! I like your ideas! I agree, I don’t see myself going back to school, but I like the idea of using my brain (former ICU nurse here). I already teach a “light” physiology course for yoga therapists, so I could see turning that into a YouTube channel for yoga people (practitioners, students, teachers & therapists). Earning more would be great. I need to make at least $40k/year to let go of the per diem.