Tips for a good shift!

[Good Morning, Gil]

Okay, allnurses,

This thread is intended for all nurses out there, but more specifically for new nurses or nurses who have just changed a specialty area and could use any helpful tips/wisdom/stress management techniques!

I guess this thread was misleading as all of you thought I was sharing tips/wisdom that I had. I guess I do have a few tips :). We can do it!

Here are some of my tips:

1). Things are never as bad as you think they may be. For instance, you're anxious about your shift, but it really in all actuality will go well since you're prepared, and know you have resources if you need them. And, if you have one bad shift, that does not mean you're a bad nurse. Go back the next day, and it will go much better. Just keep showing up.

2). Rewards: treat yourselves like Pavlov's dogs. When you get home, celebrate your good night (or day or decent night you had considering the obstacles you faced) by eating your favorite treat. Now, it doesn't have to be a hershey bar every day because this could become very unhealthy lol; maybe make sure you have your favorite yogurt stocked or something.

I'm not praising materialism or anything lol, but there is something to be said for: hey, after x many shifts, I am going to buy those pair of shoes I wanted. Or after this week, I am going ice skating with the girls, which brings me to number 3:

3). Have something to look forward to :).

4). Know that as time goes on, your anxiety will decrease, and you will look forward to going to work. Okay, maybe not always look forward to it, but you will reach a point where you are confident that you can handle most anything that comes along (because you have handled most things by that point; trust me, I have been there before, and it does happen).

5). A good shift is more likely to happen if you are well-rested, and organized prior to work. Have everything ready ahead of time so you're not rushing to get to work on time. This just makes you stressed before you even start your shift.

6). Also, be confident in what you do know. We know more than we give ourselves credit for, and think of how far you have progressed in a short time.

Keep the tips/wisdom rolling!

[Good Morning, Gil]

Oh, and apparently as all of the experienced nurses say, we just need to get through our first year as a nurse (or however long in a new specialty area for experienced nurses).

[feisty]

Remember to maintain balance in life. Nursing can consume your every waking moment and even your dreams if you allow it. Work should be balanced with play, family, relaxation, etc. Holistic care of ones self is vital.

The stress of the healthcare environment brings out the worst in our co-workers at times. Remember, you neither have to tolerate abuse nor does the negativity from others define you and your worth.

Be prepared; to the best of your abilities always be prepared. I love having multiple pockets on my scrubs and filling them with items I constantly use throughout my shift.

[sapphire18]

Remember that you will survive it- almost nothing is the end of the world.

Laugh at yourself! Can't really think of anything helpful right now, but keep em coming!

[Always_Learning, BSN, RN]

Umm, let's see here...liquor?

[EmergencyNrse]

I work with a bunch of women. Been doing it for a while.

NOTHING works like bringing chocolate...

[mindlor]

I am stealing this idea, but one way to really have a less stressful shift is get those pain meds dispersed ASAP at the strat of shift

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Just because you're prepared doesn't mean the shift will go well.....

Stay at the proper level of caffenation.

[GatezRN]

Arrive to work with a positive attitude!

And, don't let Nurse XYZ giving you report on Patient ABC form your opinion of a patient before you meet him or her. Just because XYZ had a terrible shift with this patient, doesn't mean you will!!

Be a team player! The more likely you are to help out the other members of your team when you have a few down minutes, they will be likely to return the favor!

[ProgressiveActivist, BSN, RN]

ok this is sneaky: for M/S etc. - get there ten minutes before report. Figure out which pts exceed 200 lbs, avoid them at all costs.

For ICU, take the two messiest pts.

[SushiRN]

These are great tips! Keep them coming.

I agree with everyone else, Be rested, prepared, and organized!

[LobotRN, BSN, RN]

I learned that scheduling at least two potty breaks keeps me from getting to the emergency point of almost peeing my pants when things get really busy. I go right after morning assessment and med (yay, pain meds!) pass, then I go after the pts receive lunch. And unless someone is coding, I put off everything to take 3 minutes to pee. Otherwise, I can't focus if I'm floating, and I'm slower if I'm fidgeting and distracted because of a dire need to urinate!

I also find ways to combine stuff. We do bedside report, so I check fluids, IV sites, PCA settings, current pain level, and CMS on whichever extremity (I'm an ortho RN) right then and there. That way I have my mini assessment done and info at the ready for charting and prioritizing and I know which fluids are going to need a refresh so I can gather that up and any new tubing or PRNs with my meds.

Last, I pack everything the night (or "sleep") before a shift, and I have a little laminated card I made that I use as a punch list for what needs to be on my clipboard, in my nurse pouch, and in my bag, kind of like doing a supply check on a crash cart.

Good thread, Gil!