Registered Nurse

6:30 AM

Arrive and receive report

Come on duty, put on scrubs, and receive an oral handoff from the outgoing nurse about each patient’s condition, medications, and any anticipated procedures or changes.

7:15 AM

Perform initial patient assessments

Check vital signs, review overnight labs, and speak with patients to identify any new symptoms, discomfort, or concerns before beginning morning care tasks.

8:30 AM

Administer medications and treatments

Prepare and give scheduled medications, including IVs and infusions, while verifying allergies, dosages, and timing against the electronic medication administration record.

10:30 AM

Assist with procedures and tests

Help with wound dressings, catheter changes, or prepping patients for imaging or surgery, ensuring they understand the process and are positioned safely.

12:00 PM

Lunch and charting

Eat a short lunch while catching up on documentation, updating each patient’s chart with assessment findings, interventions, and responses to treatment.

1:30 PM

Coordinate with the care team

Attend or join a brief huddle with the physician, case manager, and therapists to discuss discharge planning, test results, and any adjustments to the care plan.

3:00 PM

Reassess patients and families

Revisit priority patients, repeat vital signs if needed, and teach families how to manage medications, equipment, or home care instructions before discharge.

6:45 PM

Prepare for shift change

Complete final documentation, update medication lists, and gather key information for the next nurse to ensure a smooth handoff at the end of the 12-hour shift.