As a night shift nurse, my “day” looks a little different from the typical 9-to-5. I’ve learned how to craft a routine that keeps me energized, organized, and ready for the challenges of a night on the floor. It’s all about balance—preparing myself physically and mentally, and staying focused during the chaotic hours. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I start my shift as a night shift nurse.
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1. Waking Up and Starting Fresh
I usually wake up about one to two hours before I need to leave for work. This gives me enough time to slowly ease into my shift and get ready without rushing. If I haven’t showered in the morning before going to sleep, this is when I’ll take a quick shower to feel refreshed and awake. Starting off clean and energized helps me mentally prepare for the night ahead.
2. Fueling Up with My Thrive Chocolate Smoothie
Breakfast might seem like the last thing on your mind after waking up at odd hours, but I’ve found that my Thrive Chocolate Smoothie is the perfect way to fuel up before heading to work. It’s packed with essential vitamins and micronutrients, and I add a scoop of peanut butter for an extra boost. The best part? It tastes like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup! Every sip feels like a little treat, and I love that it gives me sustained energy for the night without a sugar crash. If you are interested in trying this for yourself click here.
3. Packing My Lunch and Staying Hydrated
Packing my lunch is a crucial part of my pre-shift routine. I make sure to pack enough food in my lunch bag to last me throughout the night—usually a left overs from a previous meal, some fruit, and maybe a small snack or two. Make sure to put it in microwave safe containers, I use glass wear. I also fill up my water bottle or tumbler to ensure I stay hydrated. Dehydration can be a big issue during long shifts, so having water readily available helps me stay sharp and energized.
4. Getting Ready and Heading Out
After I’ve had my smoothie and packed everything, I get dressed in my scrubs, pull my hair back into a tidy bun or clip, and grab my gear. I always make time for a hug from my husband before heading out the door—it’s a small moment of connection that helps me feel grounded. I like to arrive about 10 minutes before my shift starts, so I have time to mentally prepare and get settled in.
5. Clocking In and Getting Organized
At my hospital, I clock in on my phone as soon as I walk in. It’s a simple but effective way to get things rolling. Once I’ve clocked in, I check my assignment for the night and head to my locker. I grab my clipboard, stethoscope, dry erase marker, scissors, and pens—everything I need to keep things organized. I also pick up a report sheet and wait for the daylight nurse to finish their tasks.
6. Preparing for the Shift and Meds
Before we can even begin our report, we have to count the narcotics in each Pixis machine. Once report is done, I take my WOW (Workstation on Wheels) and pull up my patient charts. I make a list of all my patients by room number, noting the time their medications are due, if they need bowel or pain meds, as well as any special tasks I need to complete, such as bladder scans, weights, blood pressure checks, IV dressing changes/care and wound care. Having everything written down helps me stay organized and ensures I don’t miss any important tasks.
After I’ve made my list, I quickly pull my medications for the night. During this time, the call bells are usually ringing non-stop, so I try to work as quickly as I can. That way I can help my tech answer bells and check in on all my patients. I introduce myself, if my tech hasn’t already done so I write our names on the white board for the patient to see.
7. Tackling Bedtime and Medpass
The time before medpass is often the busiest. Everyone seems to want something—a pain pill, a trip to the bathroom, or just help getting ready for bed. During this time, I work closely with my tech to help put patients to bed and do their assessments as I go. Once medpass starts, my tech and I work together to check blood pressures and blood sugars before administering meds. If I didn’t assess a patient earlier, this is when I make sure to assess them. I work in a rehab hospital, so many of our patients are post-surgical and experience pain after physical therapy. I make sure to have pain meds ready for them if they need them and often provide ice packs for extra comfort.
As I assess my patients, I take notes on my WOW so I can chart later when things calm down. I find this helps me stay on top of my assessments without losing track of important details.
8. Handling Admissions and Busy Times
If we have a new admission whether they arrive right before shift change or after my shift has began I adapt my plan accordingly. After I’ve made my list, I’ll go straight to the admission paperwork. Go over the meds with the doctor so pharmacy can begin working on approving the meds. I then start my admission with the patient. This is a full head to toe assessment, skin check, shower if able/allowed, wound care & pictures, interview on history and personal questions. I explain the process of the facility, rules, and what to expect to the patient Once that’s done, I move on to my other tasks during medpass. Between 6 p.m. and midnight is typically the busiest time on night shift. I try not to call the doctor after 12am unless it is necessary.
9. Midnight Medpass and Lab Work
After my first medpass, I have a bit of time to catch up on wound care, chart assessments, or finish up any admission tasks. At 11 p.m., we do a round of vital checks on all our patients, so I align my second medpass with my tech’s vital checks. This way, we only have to wake the patients up once. After that, it’s mostly about answering call bells, charting, and updating our report sheet.
10. Wrapping Up the Night
By 4 a.m., I pull medications for the 6 a.m. medpass, making sure I have everything ready for when the time comes. I know that some patients will need pain meds in the morning, so I prepare them ahead of time. Around 4:30 a.m. to 5 a.m., lab arrives to draw blood from patients, and then we start the next round of medpass.
The last stretch usually is very busy answering call bells and checking in on patients until shift change. Night shifts can be unpredictable—some nights are calm, while others are full of chaos—but I stay focused and do my best to care for my patients.
The life of a night shift nurse is anything but predictable. But with a solid routine, a bit of preparation, and the right mindset, I’ve found ways to stay organized and energized throughout my shift. It’s a demanding job, but at the end of the night, I know I’ve made a difference in the lives of my patients. That’s what keeps me going, one shift at a time.
Embrace simplicity, live fully, and cherish each day – until next time, Devynn.
