The evening shift can feel like a roller coaster for new nurses. You start off at full speed, handling the busyness of the day team’s handover, only to settle into a quieter pace later. Surviving the evening shift requires planning, adaptability, and a bit of wisdom from those who’ve walked the hallways before you.
To help you thrive, we’ve pulled 10 tried-and-tested tips from our new Shift Survival Guide for New Nurses. From tackling handovers to prioritizing self-care, this guide offers actionable advice to make your evening shift a smoother ride.
Start (and end) your shifts with confidence. Download the complete Shift Survival Guide here.
Stay organized with a pre-made report sheet
Starting on the right foot is crucial. Utilize a pre-made report sheet to organize your tasks, patient details, and critical updates. These sheets act as your guiding star, helping you stay on top of assignments and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Why this works:
- Keeps you prepared for handovers and sudden changes
- Saves time when updating patient notes
- Reduces mental overload by having everything in one place
Check with your unit to see if they provide templates or design your own to suit your workflow!
Nail your handover communication
Handover time is vital. Use it to gain helpful insights from the day team about patient care plans, potential complications, and any immediate tasks awaiting you. Focus on collaborative communication to ensure you’re starting with clear expectations.
Pro Tip: Prepare quick questions in advance to make handovers efficient and thorough. For example, “Are there specific medications to prioritize?”
Related: Managing Disruptive Patients
Take breaks to stay sharp
It’s easy to power through hours without stopping, especially during busy shifts. But regular breaks are essential for staying alert and focused. Plan small pauses to reset and recharge.
How to make it happen:
- Coordinate break times with your team
- Step outside for a breath of fresh air when possible
- Use reminders to ensure breaks aren’t forgotten
By giving yourself permission to step away, you’ll return to your duties with renewed energy.
Hydrate and snack smartly
Evening shifts can feel long, so keeping your energy up is essential. Bring snacks that boost stamina and maintain hydration throughout the shift.
Snack suggestions:
- High-protein options like nuts or yogurt
- Complex carbs, such as whole-grain crackers
- Hydrating fruits like watermelon or oranges
Skip the energy drinks and rely on water or herbal teas for sustained focus.
Related: New Grad Nurse Master Course
Dress comfortably and professionally
Long hours on your feet demand gear that prioritizes comfort. Compression socks, supportive footwear, and breathable scrubs can make all the difference.
Benefits of compression socks:
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces leg fatigue and swelling
- Keeps you feeling comfortable during extended shifts
Invest in high-quality gear that will support both your performance and appearance.
Document patient care promptly
Don’t wait until the end of your shift to catch up on paperwork. Documenting care promptly ensures accuracy and reduces the chance of missing key details.
Tips for efficient documentation:
- Update notes after completing major tasks
- Use abbreviations approved by your facility
- Make it a habit to double-check for accuracy
This practice keeps records reliable and minimizes stress during end-of-shift wrap-ups.
Foster teamwork and collaboration
No nurse can do it all alone. Build strong relationships with your colleagues to share responsibilities and support each other during hectic times. It’s this support that will help with surviving the evening shift.
How to foster teamwork:
- Communicate needs clearly and courteously
- Offer help to teammates when you have downtime
- Create an environment of trust and mutual respect
A solid team dynamic enhances not only patient care but also your workplace experience.
Brighten your shift with positivity
Nursing can be exhausting, but finding moments of positivity and humor can make even the toughest evenings manageable.
Ideas to boost morale:
- Share a lighthearted story with a coworker
- Jot down one good moment from your shift
- Celebrate small wins, like successfully untangling IV tubing!
A positive mindset can have a ripple effect, benefiting your patients and the entire care team.
Focus on one task at a time
Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Break it down by focusing on one task at a time. This prevents mental burnout and ensures each patient receives high-quality care.
Prioritization tips:
- Tackle urgent tasks first
- Use your report sheet to stay aligned with priorities
- Take a breath and recenter when the shift feels chaotic
Remember, small steps lead to big victories during busy shifts.
Practice reflective self-care post shift
Once the shift ends, prioritize time to decompress and focus on your well-being. Reflecting on your day helps you process challenges, celebrate wins, and prepare for the next shift.
Post-shift self-care ideas:
- Take a warm bath or shower to unwind
- Journal about what went well and areas for improvement
- Make space for activities you enjoy, such as yoga, reading, or watching your favorite show
Taking care of yourself outside of work ensures you’re ready to bring your best self to every shift.
Go beyond surviving the evening shift
The evening shift offers unique challenges and opportunities. By implementing these 10 tips, you’ll not only survive but thrive in this fast-paced environment. Remember, every shift is a chance to grow, connect, and make a difference in your patients’ lives.
For further guidance from seasoned nurses or to explore additional resources, check out our Shift Survival Guide for New Nurses. Your nursing career deserves all the support it can get, and we’re here to empower you every step of the way!
