Ending the Conflict Between the Day and Night Shifts

For example, try these tips:

Anticipate and Restock

There are few things more frustrating for a nurse than starting a dressing change, thinking that the supplies are all there, only to find that you’re missing a few critical pieces. You can prevent that frustration for the next shift by anticipating what supplies they’ll need and stocking them in the appropriate places before the shift change.

Of course, all nurses know that you should check your supplies before you start, but how wonderful would it be to know and trust that the previous shift completely stocked your room or cart with everything you needed?

Give Pain Meds Ahead of the Shift Change

Another common frustration for nurses starting a new shift is to finish getting report and then find that three-fifths of your patients are on the call bell, asking for pain medications. You can spare your colleagues on the next shift this headache by making sure that patients who need (and can have) pain medication have gotten their meds before you give report.

Instead of wasting precious time and energy on pointless hostility and backbiting, ask the other nurses from your unit, “How can we set the next shift up for success?” Invite all employees for their input on what the outgoing shift could do to make it easier for the next shift to take the baton and run. Everyone, especially patients, will benefit.

In this Article: Bullying and Incivility, Career Advice, Leadership and Management