Workload & shift changes?

Published

Hello everyone, Happy New Year to all

I have an enquiry about shifts, shift changes and workloads for the 24/7 period. As my situation involves a busy acute ward and I have been doing alot of day shifts and sometimes get the busy workloads ie trachies, dressings etc. I use a time planner but still cant get all the duties for the day done. However, I keep being reassured by my mum and others that its ok that you cant get everything done in your shift. That is why there is shift change to handover.

I cant help but feel incompetent that I couldnt get the tasks and duties done for my shift. Meaning I take on ownership and then I feel exhausted. So I need to try and remove that stigma in my head that I need to have everything done before next shift.

Does anyone feel the same way as I? Just curious to know

Thank you and look forward to your replies :paw:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in VA-BC, CRNI.

No one can complete 100% of the tasks handed to them 100% of the time.

Do what you can, set the foundation so that the recieving party can easily finish the task and hand it off.

For example, you need to change a dressing close to shift change but cannot get to it. I pull the supplies I need and hand it to the oncomming Nurse so that he/she can just take the supplies and do it quikly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

It depends. I hate getting 20 things handed off to me when I know it couldve been done or I it's something that shouldve taken a front seat to other things. It's ok occasionally but not every day. It's about accountability. If you can use a cna2 to help with tx's and it's allowed use them. They can be a good asset when you are in a time crunch. Or you can figure out a different way to manage your time and tasks. It took me a long time to figure out a routine that worked for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

you have to learn to prioritize then document and also give report to the next nurse. Some people will moan about it, but so what. They won't get done either and will probably lie about it. Do your best then go home and REST

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion