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.
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.
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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.
