Get Organized

As a nurse or healthcare worker, there is nothing more mentally exhausting than working a 12-hour shift. With the long hours and non-stop pace, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and lose focus. However, there are several steps you can take to make your shift go by faster and to ensure that you are staying sharp and focused throughout the day. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by getting organized.

Now, getting organized doesn’t mean that you have to be a neat freak or have everything color-coded. All it means is that you should have a system in place that works for you and helps you manage your time and tasks efficiently. Here are some practical tips to help you get organized and make your 12-hour shift go by faster:

Create a checklist

The day before your shift, take some time to make a checklist of all the tasks that you need to accomplish during your shift. This will help you prioritize your time and ensure that you don’t forget anything. Make sure to break down your tasks into smaller, actionable steps so that they are easier to manage and complete.

For example, instead of writing “administer medication” on your checklist, break it down into smaller tasks such as “check medication order”, “prepare medication”, “administer medication to patient”, and “document medication administration”. This way, you can cross off each task as you complete it, which can be very satisfying and motivating.

Prep your work area

Before starting your shift, take a few minutes to prep your work area. Ensure that you have all the supplies and equipment you need for the day, such as pens, calculators, stethoscopes, and thermometers. Get rid of any clutter and unnecessary items, as they can be distracting and take up valuable workspace.

Having an organized work area can also help you stay focused and reduce stress. If you know where everything is and can easily access it, you can work more efficiently and effectively.

Take breaks

It may seem counterintuitive, but taking regular breaks throughout your shift can actually help you stay more productive and make the day go by faster. Taking a few minutes every few hours to stretch, walk around, or have a snack can help you clear your mind and recharge your batteries.

Make sure to schedule your breaks into your checklist so that you don’t forget to take them. You can also use your breaks to catch up on any personal tasks, such as checking your phone or sending a quick email to a friend.

End with a handover

At the end of your shift, take some time to hand over your tasks and update your colleagues on any relevant patient information. By doing this, you can ensure that the next shift starts off on the right foot and that your patients receive the best possible care.

Handovers can sometimes be overwhelming and chaotic, but having an organized approach can make it easier for everyone. Make sure to have all the necessary information ready, such as medication orders and patient notes, and take the time to answer any questions or concerns your colleagues may have.

Overall, getting organized and staying focused throughout your 12-hour shift can be challenging, but with these tips and tricks, you can make the day go by faster and reduce stress. Remember, everyone has their own unique system, so don’t be afraid to try different approaches until you find what works best for you.

Stay Active

One way to make 12 hour shifts go by quickly is to stay active. Sitting behind a desk for long hours can be tiring, physically and mentally. Doing physical exercises is crucial as you would be sitting for long periods and it can have a toll on your back, neck, and shoulders. Find time to stretch, walk around, and perform some light exercise routines. Taking a short walk gives you the chance to change the scenery, take in some fresh air and give your mind a chance to recharge and refresh.

But staying active doesn’t just mean physical activity. Make sure to engage your mind too. Bring a book to work or try learning something new during your downtime. You could study a new language, read up on a new subject or participate in a work program that helps you to learn new skills. If you’re a visual person, consider doodling or drawing pictures that are relevant to what you’re learning. This will help cement the information you are learning, and before you know it, the shift is over.

Additionally, make sure to have regular breaks. Time can fly by when you’re focused, but it’s important to take some scheduled breaks to allow your mind to rest for a while. You can use these breaks to rest, stretch, eat something, or just walk around the block.

Lastly, you should make sure you’re well-nourished as food can have a significant impact on your overall energy levels. Having snacks on hand, like fruits, nuts, or granola bars, helps to keep hunger pangs at bay and prevents the mid-shift slump. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is also important, as dehydration can cause you to feel sluggish and tired.

Overall, staying active should not be limited to physical exercise but should also include mental stimulation. By taking steps to keep both your mind and body engaged and nourished, you’ll have a better chance of making your 12-hour shift fly by and increase your productivity and well-being.

How to Make 12 Hour Shifts Go By Fast

Take Breaks

When you’re working a 12-hour shift, breaks are essential to help you stay alert and focused throughout your shift. Taking breaks also helps you to recharge and relax a little bit, making your day less stressful overall. Here are some ideas of things you can do during your breaks to help your 12-hour shift go by faster.

1. Take a Walk or Stretch

Sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time can be tiring and uncomfortable. Taking a short walk or doing some simple stretches during your break can help to get you moving, improve your blood flow, and help keep you more alert throughout the day.

Try taking a 10-minute walk around your workplace or stretching your arms, legs, and back muscles for a few minutes during your break.

2. Socialize with Co-workers

Interacting with your co-workers is an excellent way to help the time go by more quickly. Talking with your colleagues during your break can help you to build relationships and foster a positive work environment, which can contribute to a more enjoyable workday. Take advantage of your time together to laugh, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.

3.Watch/Listen Something That Makes You Laugh

Laughter is great for the soul, and it can also help you make your 12-hour shift go by much more quickly. During your break, watch or listen to something that you find humorous, such as a YouTube video, podcast, or comedy series. You’ll find that laughing and enjoying the comedic materials will help you to feel more relaxed and positive-minded which will help you carry out the remainder of your shift much easier.

Just be careful not to watch anything so engrossing that it prevents you from returning to work feeling refreshed after your break is over. Keep an eye on the time if necessary to ensure that you don’t lose track of time and end up taking longer than you intended.

By breaking up the long workday into smaller, more manageable chunks, you can successfully make 12-hour shifts feel less overwhelming and go by in a flash. Try some of the tips listed above during your next long workday, and watch how quickly your shift flies by!

Connect with Colleagues

Working long shifts can be draining, but having good company can make a huge difference. Try to connect with your colleagues to build a support system, making the long work hours go by faster. Here are some tips to connect with your coworkers:

1. Start a Conversation: It can be challenging to talk to your colleagues, especially if you work in a different department or haven’t met them before. However, starting a conversation is a great way to break the ice. Ask them about their hobbies, interests or weekend plans.

2. Join a Work Group: Many workplaces have work groups or committees such as social clubs, health and wellness groups, fundraisers, or book clubs. Joining one of these groups can help foster relationships and create a sense of community. It also gives you an opportunity to learn a new skill or try something new.

3. Organize Team Events: Make the most of your breaks by organizing team events. Take a walk together, explore local attractions, or grab a coffee. It’s a great way to break up the monotony of the day and build camaraderie among colleagues.

4. Volunteer for Extra Work: Volunteering for extra shifts or taking on more tasks might sound counter-intuitive, but it can be an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues. If you have a skill or interest, let your colleagues know. They may ask for help or offer you an opportunity to shine. Challenging yourself can be a great way to build relationships and make the workday more enjoyable.

5. Use Technology: Use technology to stay in touch with your colleagues, particularly with those working remotely. Social media networks like LinkedIn and Facebook can help you stay connected, and it’s also a great way to congratulate your colleagues on their work anniversaries or share news.

Remember, connecting with your colleagues can make your work environment more comfortable and enjoyable. You may quickly realize that your colleagues may have a lot in common. Who knows, you may even find a new friend while on the job!

Find Enjoyable Distractions

As anyone who has worked a 12-hour shift knows, it can be challenging to stay focused and alert for the entire duration. The good news is that there are effective ways to combat boredom and make the hours fly by more quickly. In this guide, we will outline five strategies for finding enjoyable distractions during those long workdays.

1. Listen to Music: One of the most popular ways to beat boredom and stay motivated during long work shifts is by listening to music. Research has found that listening to music can improve mood, increase productivity, and reduce stress levels. If your job allows it, consider listening to your favorite tunes through headphones or a speaker to make the time go by more quickly.

2. Read a Book: Another great way to pass the time during a long shift is by reading a book. Not only is reading known to reduce stress levels, but it can also be an excellent learning experience and a way to escape into a different world. If you prefer reading digital books, consider downloading an e-reader app on your smartphone or tablet so you can read on the go.

3. Exercise: While it may sound counter-intuitive, exercise can actually be a great way to boost energy and stay focused during a long shift. Consider taking a brisk walk or doing some yoga stretches during your breaks to keep your mind and body active. If you have access to a gym, consider hitting the weights or cardio machines during your lunch break for an extra energy boost.

4. Talk with Colleagues: Socializing with your colleagues can be a great way to make the workday go by more quickly. Take a few minutes during your break to chat with your coworkers and swap stories about your life outside of work. If you don’t have many close colleagues, consider joining a workplace social club or networking group to meet new people and build stronger relationships.

5. Play Online Games: Lastly, playing online games is a fun and engaging way to take your mind off work and pass the time. There are a wide variety of games available online, from puzzles and trivia to action and adventure games. Just be sure to set limits on how much time you spend playing so you don’t get too distracted from your work responsibilities.

Overall, making the most of your breaks and finding enjoyable distractions can go a long way towards making those long 12-hour shifts go by much more quickly. Whether you prefer listening to music or playing games, incorporating some of these strategies into your daily routine can help keep you focused, motivated, and engaged throughout the day.