Taking Lunch Breaks as a Nurse

For nurses, it may feel like sometimes you can't catch a break—literally.

In fact, studies have shown that nurses frequently forfeit taking their lunch breaks in order to provide patient care. Even worse, according to the American Nurses Association, more than half of nurses work straight through their work breaks and arrive to work early or stay late. Eeek!

Nurses, it's time to slow down.

According to Harvard Business Review, breaks can prevent exhaustion and help with productivity. In addition, lunch breaks reduce stress, improve concentration, and stabilize mood. Really, the evidence is all there—everyone needs a break to refuel.

Many nurses work long hours on their feet, so lunch breaks are especially important for them. If you are a nurse or know a nurse who needs a break, keep reading for tips on taking breaks during a nursing shift.

Why Are Nurses Not Taking Lunch Breaks from Work?

It may seem like common sense that taking lunch breaks from work can help individuals recharge their energy levels. Then why do so many workers decide to skip taking a break from their work—in particular, nurses? Well, for starters, nurses may be more inclined to put other needs first, such as their patients. Additionally, some other reasons that nurses may have from taking breaks may include:

Fear of getting behind on work
Fear of being perceived as slacking by others
Commitment to a patient's needs over their own
Unable to find another nurse to relieve their patient care responsibilities
Hesitation to take a break because the facility is short-staffed

What Are the Benefits of Taking Lunch Breaks from Work?

Taking breaks is a vital part of any nursing job, providing physical and emotional benefits. Rest is important for anyone. It is a vital life source that keeps the batteries of human beings charged and functioning properly. Think of breaks as the fuel source for a limber body and agile mind. Nurses can benefit from taking breaks on their nursing jobs in the following ways:

Breaks can help nurses reduce stress and mitigate burnout by giving their minds and bodies a break from patient care.
Breaks can help nurses return to their nursing jobs more alert and productive.
Snack and lunch breaks as a nurse can ensure that nurses are receiving adequate nutrition, which also leads to better functioning.
Breaks can increase creativity and assist with better decision-making.
Breaks can help improve staff morale since nurses who receive breaks at work may feel more valued by their organization.

All in all, taking breaks is beneficial for nurses because it improves their overall wellbeing. Breaks allow nurses to recharge, refocus, and eat properly, which can help lead to better patient care.

What Are Nursing Breaks By Law?

Break laws pertaining to nurses in the United States will vary and depend on state and federal regulations. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not obligate employers to provide breaks for their employees, although some states do have laws requiring breaks for meals and/or rest periods.

Nursing breaks by law will depend on what state a nurse decides to work in. For anyone curious, the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division maintains a list of states with laws pertaining to meal periods and rest breaks.

Do PRN Nursing Clinicians Take Lunch Breaks?

Some facilities on Nursa may require you to take an unpaid lunch break during your shift. You will not receive extra pay if you choose to work through a break, so Nursa encourages you to take this unpaid time to rest and eat a good meal.

What's The Best Way to Take a Break as a Nurse?

Taking breaks from work as a nurse can prevent burnout, improve focus, and keep you energized. This sounds simple enough; however, there are a few tips for "taking a break" the best way. For example, squeezing in a break before you anticipate taking on a patient with a complex care plan. Other helpful ways to take your breaks as a nurse could include the following:

Take a break when you actually feel like it (when you're tired). If your facility manager is flexible with scheduling breaks, see if you can coordinate to take one by letting them know 15 minutes beforehand. This will help your body take advantage of the break.

Embrace taking lunch breaks as a nurse. Lunch breaks are a time to step away from your nursing job, sit down, and focus on eating. If socializing is energizing for you, talk with other colleagues during your lunch breaks. If you need more space to recharge, set those boundaries and let your coworkers know you need some time alone.

Find a quiet space at the facility where you are working, such as a break room (if it's not too crowded). If the facility has an outdoor space, take advantage of it by taking a break outside and getting some fresh air.

Remember to hydrate. Many nurses forget to hydrate appropriately on the job, even during lunch breaks. This can be solved by making sure you have a large water bottle that's easy to access anytime you need to take a "mini-break" and rehydrate.

Communicate with your facility manager if you are ever feeling overwhelmed and need to tap out for a break. Hopefully, your colleagues can step in while you recharge and recenter.
Return the favor and do the same for your colleagues when you see that they are feeling overwhelmed and need a break themselves.

In addition, facilities and nurse schedulers can reduce burnout by hiring per diem nurses. By using Nursa to schedule per diem nurses, a facility can make sure that all of the nurses on staff get the breaks they deserve. This is because per diem nurses help fill gaps in coverage and lighten the patient load with better patient-to-nurse ratios.

A Nurse on Break Is a Superhero in Scrubs

Do nurses get a break? Well, not all, but they should. That's because a nurse on break is a superhero in scrubs, replenishing their energy to heroically save patients' lives. Okay, maybe that's a bit cheesy, but really, nurses are dedicated professionals who need rest in order to provide the highest level of patient care.

The benefits of taking lunch breaks at work are clear. They lessen the chance that a fast-paced, sometimes chaotic work scenario will burst into a full-blown case of burnout. So whether you are a nurse or a facility, make sure you are giving or taking breaks. By prioritizing lunch breaks, both the wellbeing of the nurse and the quality of patient care will benefit. Oh, and remember, self-care is not selfish.

Are you a nurse looking to take a break from your everyday nursing job? Pick up a per diem shift through Nursa and find the life balance you crave.

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