Things to do on night shift

Nurses General Nursing

Published

After everything else is done and you have some downtime, how do you productively use it? I do my CE but I feel like I could be doing something more useful. Comments?

is charting done off the clock or is that OT?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

If I had down time :rotfl:, I do a thorough check of all the charts (24 hour chart checks); make sure that a Nursing Note has been done for each shift, make sure all labs, diagnostic tests and consults are entered, etc.

Then I put in blank progress sheet, or MD order sheet if the chart needs it.

I work on discharge sheets for the AM and Pg 2s.

I will check-in on patients... someone is always awake!

There is ALWAYS something to be done and very rarely do we have time to do anything extra. I am lucky if I get to pee and have some crackers!!!

:paw:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.
is charting done off the clock or is that OT?

Charting should be done on your shift, as soon as possible. Try not to wait 'til the end of your shift. Most employers do not like to pay OT.

:paw:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Trauma.

IF I have some downtime (in no particular order):

* Eat/pee ... then:

1. Offer to help someone else (do chart checks, start IVs, pass meds, etc.)

2. Help the techs/CNAs

3. Walk around the ED and check portable O2 tanks under the stretchers. Replace PRN

4. Walk around the ED and plug in all our portable equipment to wall chargers (IV pumps, Dynamaps, EKG machines) It's annoying when batteries die in the middle of something... I get quite irritated when it happens. LOL

5. Re-check pacers/defibrillators and code/crash carts.

6. Re-stock med room with extra supplies (vaccutainers, IV kits, flushes).

7. Re-stock paperwork (EMTALA forms, Order sheets, 1:1 obs check lists).

8. Make note of malfunctioning equipment and shoot off email to products manager to fix/replace.

9. General clean-up - untangle bedside monitor cables, stock bedsheets/urinals/bedpans/puke buckets and gowns at bedside, return central line/chest tube/suture carts and thermometers to where they belong (huge time waste - looking for **** because it's not where it's supposed to be. H-U-G-E pet peeve of mine! LOL). Wipe down equipment/BP cuffs with disinfectant.

Like I tell all orientees and techs: "There is always something to be done. If you're sitting on your hands, come find me and I'll put you to work" :) I learned that line from my Mother (Thanks Ma!)

cheers,

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatric, Case Manager, Geriatrics.

All of my night shifts in the past few years have been BRUTAL. I have no downtime. It is like working a day shift. Dressing changes, PICC line care, respiratory care, finishing paperwork for new admits etc. etc. With the continued cutting of staff to save money in most facilities they expect the most they can get out of you. :o I barely have time to pee and many times no meal. This is not ok and is harmful to your health. I am looking for day work but do not expect that to be easy either. This is one of the reason for the nursing shortage, how long can nurses be expected to work on such conditions?? No wonder so many people leave.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I totally don't have much downtime on my nightshifts. I'm on a mother-baby floor and moms are up and down all night, so I am in and out helping them w/ breastfeeding, settling fussy babies, and dealing w/ the occasional postpartum hemorrhage. Or the antepartum that decides that 0300 is a good time to start delivering on the toilet. And that's on a good night.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.
is charting done off the clock or is that OT?

For me, that goes as overtime - I also mark down when I don't take a meal break so I get paid for that too. When these things happen, it is always related to something going on with a resident - falls, emergency, ect. Last night, I was with someone in respiratory distress for about 1 1/2 hours before it was determined to send them out to the ER.

As for charting earlier in the shift, it is done ASAP, so long as meds & TX are done and residents are not in need of care. Otherwise, it gets done at the end of the shift when the next shift is there to take care of the residents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

Down time? There's supposed to be down time? Night before last, I didn't even get to pee until 0400....and I do 7 to 7.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Down Time???? Did not know that existed. I rarely take breaks!! Pts in my floor don't sleep, have to give meds @ 12mid, 2, 4, 6 call lights are on constantly, NAs do not answer the lights, pts are on fall precaution, bed alarms are on and keep beeping non stop because our confused pts keep coming out of bed. Giant problem if pt falls. What down time can I have. I really would like to have some.:crying2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.

Clean up bedsides, read progress notes, reeeeally in depth chart checks...and then I come here!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.
1. Offer to help someone else (do chart checks, start IVs, pass meds, etc.)

2. Help the techs/CNAs

ABSOLUTELY necessary in Nursing to establish a team-approach! :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work 11-7 and I usually don't take my full break. I am one of the few nurses who are so busy. I answer bells, always asking aides and other nurses if there is anything I can do to help them. Of course they don't usually ask me. I am really trying my best but some nites I don't think it is good enough.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment