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Nursing holds unlimited opportunities for growth and learning. For some nurses, having a variety of scheduling options allows for more family time or the ability to travel. Others find working weekends, nights, and evenings more of a challenge.  

We asked hundreds of nurses across the country about their experiences working different types of shifts and compiled their answers into this handy guide for nurses just starting their careers. 

Inside the guide, you’ll find: 

An introduction to the day, evening, and night shifts  

The good, the bad, and the ugly truth about each shift 

Tips, tricks, and tools from experienced nurses 

Shift survival kit packing lists for the nurse who likes to be prepared 

Day shifts are often the busiest, with team collaboration procedures, scans, admissions, and discharges keeping nurses occupied throughout the shift. Nurses who work at this time must have good time management skills and be able to prioritize effectively. Flexibility when working a day shift is essential, since emergent procedures, surprise admissions, diagnostic testing, and even visiting families can interrupt the nurses' plans for the day. 

Arrive a few minutes early to review patient charts and plan your day.

Prioritize tasks based on patient needs and urgency.

Maintain clear and open communication with the healthcare team.

Take short breaks to prevent burnout.

Stay organized with a checklist.

Dress for success with comfortable shoes and compression socks.

Keep hydrated and pack healthy snacks for energy.

Document patient care promptly to stay on top of your workload.

Adapt and learn from every shift to improve practice.

Practice self-care after work to recharge.

While most hospitals and healthcare facilities split up their scheduling into day shift and night shift, many nurses still work the evening shift. Evening shifts typically span the hours of 3 pm to 11 pm. Nurses working this schedule may find that they get to experience the best and worst parts of working both day and night shifts.  

Use a premade report sheet to stay organized. 

Maintain effective communication during handovers with the day team. 

Take regular breaks to stay sharp and alert. 

Hydrate and snack to keep energy levels up. 

Wear professional yet comfortable gear like compression socks. 

Document care promptly to avoid information gaps. 

Foster teamwork to balance shared responsibilities. 

Find moments of positivity and humor during the shift. 

Manage one task at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed. 

Engage in reflective self-care post-shift. 

Some nurses swear by the night shift, while others vow to never work during the night. Though many nurses find it freeing to be out from under the direct supervision of hospital administration during the night shift, other nurses find they have less resources on hand to manage emergencies. Similarly, night nurses have fewer visitors during their shift, meaning that there are fewer interruptions, but less support for patients who need it. 

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule for better rest. 

Create a sleep-friendly environment with blackout curtains and white noise.

Keep hydrated and pack snacks for sustained energy.

Take short mental breaks to stay alert. 

Invest in durable, comfortable shoes for long hours.

Document patient progress promptly for accurate records.

Engage in quiet learning opportunities like reading healthcare updates. 

Reassess and adjust to patient needs efficiently.

Stay positive and focus on the impact of your care. 

Don’t neglect self-care during off-hours to recover fully. 

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