We have been having a chat about breaks and eating on shift. It seems many of us grab what we can, when we can and dont stop for a lunch break of sorts, i.e. hour off plate of food in the canteen etc.

What are your experiences? do you grab a biscuit while inputting notes? do you just follow your mentor too scared to ask for a break? does your mentor make sure you get a break whether s/he does or not? does your unit make sure you have proper breaks?

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When I was on community occasionally we managed to grab 10 mins for a sandwich, this was usually when we were going to a clinic. But when doing visits it was grab what you could when you could, and often that was a sandwich one the way from one house to another.

On the ward, sometimes I was able to go and get something to eat, but this was usually on a late shift not an early. Quite often on an early I didn't get anything until I finished.

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Bless you Mum & Dad x
Student Midwife 2007

Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

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Community, usually stopping off somewhere to grab a packed luuch, one of my mentors was quite keen to stop somewhere idyllic and dine for a while!!

In the unit, some ward sisters are very efficient sending mentor and students off for breaks to ensure everyone gets some time. Sometimes there simply is not the time to have breaks and other Sisters don't take them, so assume the same applies to everyone else!

I would say it varies, but overall lunch is a rushed affair, that doesn't feel like a rest!

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I don't think I've ever gone off the ward for a lunch break when on maternity placements.. Just grab what I can when I can... Nights are ususally better, tend to actually get time to sit down and eat instead of eating on the run!
General placement is a different story.. I get a 15 min coffee break and then a 30 min lunch break!! When someone first said to me do you want your coffee break, I was like i'd rather have my lunch later if thats ok, n to be told na this is only coffee you'll get a lunch break later.. I was like waaaa?!!? MADNESS! lol

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Duel X
2nd year student midwife
SM.NET Stafford University Representative
Moderator

Haha, usually its a cup of coffee and a sarnie whilst sat at the computer inputting a delivery!

Sometimes a 10 min break about 6 pm before collapsing with hunger (breakfast being a distant memory at 06:30) and the occasional coffee taken into a delivery room.

If you are in theatre, you rarely get a break or a coffee for hours and hours at a time.

By contrast - when on the special care baby unit, it was a 15 min coffee break in the morning, 3/4 hour for lunch, 1/2 hour for supper and coffee orders were taken to be had in the nurseries (no arguments!).
KS

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Kentish Spitfire
Moderator, Student Services
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"It's better to be thought a fool - rather than proved a fool!"

Pretty much the same for me too, I agree about the nights though, you tend to be able to actually have something to eat then, but funnily enough every other placement, medical, surgical, NICU etc... Have been shocked when I've looked back at them amazed when they say "go for your break" excuse me did you say break? Just coffee? (nearly falls to the floor) and then the same thing happens a couple of hours later "go get your dinner" I didn't know what had hit me, not used to that at all-how the other half live eh???

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On first placement on D/S i always got at least a half hour break and on a few occations we were given an hour, my mentor was lovely and always made sure id had a break and she would tell me to go get a drink every so often....i wish i could have take her to every placement with me!
XXXX

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Blimey, I wish I could take her too!!!

Sometimes though, I really don't want to go for a break, I hate the fact I may miss something!

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But surely the point in all this is that people function a lot better then they have had chance to have a break and actually eat something, even if it is only 10 mins?

I know I feel much better when I have had something to eat, my attention span, energy etc are all improved then.

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Bless you Mum & Dad x
Student Midwife 2007

Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

Have you just been offered a place? If so and you want a mentor please post in post this forum (also post here if you would like a mentee)

I don't see how they're allowed to not give you a break unless you choose not to go. You have rights to a break... ?! surely its illegal to allow you to work so long without one?... Though sayin that.. if I've time for a cuppa while at the computer.. jobs a gooden.. I'm more inclined to go without food than tea... eekk.

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