Here is a “typical” hour by hour breakdown of a 12-hour shift with 5-6 patients:
0645-0730: Huddle and report
0730-1000: Gather medications, pass medications, shift assessments, review MD orders, get everyone into chair for breakfast
1000-1200: Document assessments, care round, answer call lights, call family member, clarify orders, d/c patients
1200-1230: lunch?
1230-1400: d/c and admit patients, code?, care round
1400-1600: pass medications
1600-1800: update report cards, care round
1800-1845: Make sure pain medications are given, IVF are infusing, all orders are completed and reordered, MD responses documented, I/O, care plans updated
1845-1930: Night shift report