By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: 4 Easy Ways to Deal With a Long Nursing Shift
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Nursing > 4 Easy Ways to Deal With a Long Nursing Shift
Nursing

4 Easy Ways to Deal With a Long Nursing Shift

Feeling overwhelmed by long nursing shifts? Discover 4 easy strategies to help you manage and stay energized. Learn more now!

Aaron Casselman
Aaron Casselman
Share
5 Min Read
nursing shifts
Shutterstock Licensed Photo - 1537225349 | By LightField Studios
SHARE

Nurses are the steam that keeps the healthcare engine running. If you are an experienced nurse, you already know the secrets to survive a long and busy shift. For newer nurses, it will take more time to develop the habits and schedules that it takes to stay on track.

Contents
  • 1.     Stay Organized
  • 2.     Get Sleep
  • 3.     Stay Hydrated and Energized
  • 4.     Take Your Breaks
    • Conclusion: Make it Through

Nurses that want to excel in their field, and take advice from more experienced staff can open doors to a wealth of knowledge. Nurses in the field for many years have mastered the skills needed to stay organized and manage their time efficiently. Passing these keys on to the next generation is an important part of being a senior nurse.

Whether you spend half your shift on the phone with the medical linen service, or are run ragged by an overflowing patient influx, surviving a long day can feel impossible. Let’s take a closer look at a few key ways to deal with a long nursing shift.

1.     Stay Organized

You aren’t working effectively if you are stuck running in a dozen different directions during your nursing shift. Prioritizing your tasks and creating a system that works for you is crucial to surviving a long shift. At the end of each shift, take a moment to write down a list of tasks for your next shift. Creating a ‘to-do’ list will help you to get organized the following day and stay focused on your goals.

More Read

bsn vs rn salaries
What is the Salary Outlook Difference for a BSN vs. RN Career?
Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing: Strategies, Principles, and the Value of Ongoing Education
4 Strategies to Gain Success As a Nurse
The Changing Role of Nursing Leadership During Covid-19
Transforming Healthcare Staffing: The Unique Benefits of Travel Nursing

2.     Get Sleep

It may sound obvious, but we cannot function properly at our jobs if we are not properly rested. This is especially true of nurses. Most work 10-12 hour long shifts that can be emotional and physical rollercoasters. Nurses need to respect their own needs and not just those of their patients regarding self-care. To perform at your best as a nurse, you should get a minimum of seven hours of sleep nightly.

3.     Stay Hydrated and Energized

Being a nurse requires a ton of energy. If you are not paying attention to your body’s needs, you won’t be able to perform at your best. Staying hydrated is vital. You should always have water on hand to sip when you have a moment at the desk.

You aren’t likely to take scheduled eating breaks during a busy nursing shift. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to fuel your body to keep up with your shift. Rather than packing a single meal for your shift, try packing various bite sized snacks that you can graze on during your shift. High-protein or energy snacks can be the perfect mid-shift pick-me-up.

4.     Take Your Breaks

While taking breaks when they roll around during a long nursing shift is not always possible, getting to step away from the action is vital to your well-being. To survive a long day of nursing, take a few minutes whenever you can to give your mind and body a break.

Nurses work hard to care for and treat their patients. To help you get through a long shift without sacrificing the quality of your job, try some tips to help you stay on track.

Conclusion: Make it Through

It is important to make it through your long nursing shift. Taking breaks, talking to other nurses and colleagues, eating healthy meals, and engaging in self-care activities will help you stay focused and energized throughout your work day. Even the most seasoned nurse can feel overwhelmed by a long shift. However, with a few simple strategies you can tackle even the longest of days without compromising your health or performance.

Remember to take regular breaks throughout the day and give yourself time to relax; this could be as simple as going for a walk or getting some fresh air outside. Eating nutritious meals will also provide energy that is essential for making it through your shifts. Finally, don’t forget about self-care activities like yoga, meditation or listening to music; these practices can help reduce stress levels while improving concentration.

By incorporating these four easy tips into your nursing routine you can get through even the longest of shifts with ease! Just remember to take care of yourself so that you have enough energy and focus for each patient that needs your care.

TAGGED:nursing shift
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Aaron Casselman
Aaron Casselman is a medical writer based in central Minnesota, specializing in bioinformatics. With my Master's Degree in bioinformatics, he brings unique insights into topics related to medicine and health.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

Why is financial management in healthcare important, and what role do nursing leaders play in this?
HealthNursing

Why is Financial Management in Healthcare Important, and What Role do Nursing Leaders Play in This?

July 23, 2023
nursing careers
CareerNursing

Best Specialty Career Choices for Nurses

March 28, 2024
NursingSenior Care

How Agency Nurses Make A Difference In Aged Care

June 19, 2019
Practice Nurse
Nursing

Working as an Advanced Practice Nurse

August 31, 2020
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?