[NEW NURSE TIPS] Time management for shift change admissions

[ada]

At the hospitals I float to, if you're getting the admission past 1830 the expectation is just vitals, focused assessment (neuro, wounds, drains, lines), and time critical meds because we start report after 1845. The next shift nurse will do their full head-to-toe assessment and finish up admission orders. If I know I'm getting an admission close to shift change and I have 1800 meds for other patients, you bet I'm giving them just after 1700 with the 1700 meds unless there are interactions/it's super time critical because we're allowed 1 hour before to 1 hour after due time to give meds. So I've hopefully got all my patients situated by 1815ish, they're enjoying their dinner, and my colleagues on the floor can answer call lights/give time-critical 1800 meds while I'm focusing on my admission.