Nursing shift preparation – top tips and things to know

Your first shift as a nurse may be quite a stressful experience, so proper preparation is the key. What should you take to the hospital? What remuneration can you expect? Can a nursing shift last 24 hours? Read on and be ready for everything!
Contents:
Doctor’s shift vs. nurse’s shift
How to prepare for your shift as a nurse? Choose the right shoes and scrubs
How much can you earn for one shift?
Key takeaways:
- For your nurse shift, you need comfortable scrubs, a change of shoes and a cosmetic bag with basic care products.
- There are only some cases in which nurses can work 24-hour shifts.
Doctor’s shift vs. nurse shift
What are the main differences between the duties of nurses and doctors? In Poland, both nurses and doctors work hospital duty hours, which are included in their weekly working schedules. According to the Polish Act on Medical Activity, only nurses and doctors with an academic degree can perform such duties. Can a nursing shift last 24 hours? Yes, but only if this is included in the specific provisions in the contract.
How to prepare for your shift as a nurse? Choose the right shoes and scrubs
Make sure you sleep well before your shift to avoid problems with concentration and fatigue in the hospital. Remember to take some healthy snacks to work, to boost your energy and fill your stomach. You will also need a cosmetic bag with a toothbrush and a toothpaste as well as a deodorant, wet wipes, lip balm and hand cream.
What else do you need for your long shift? A comfortable uniform! Invest in a practical lab coat, medical dress or a scrubs set. The clothes should not restrict your movements and they must be suitable for challenging working conditions. A smart choice is to buy two changes of scrubs sets. The best fabrics for nurse scrubs include viscose, cotton and a blend of cotton with polyester of adequate density.
At uniformshop.eu, you will find comfy scrubs made of soft and breathable materials that won’t lose their quality and neat look even after multiple cycles in the washing machine. Don’t forget about footwear! Choose shoes that will let your feet breathe while ensuring the necessary support and shock absorption.
How much can you earn for one shift?
This, of course, depends on many factors, such as the country and the workplace. In Poland, for example, in the case of standby duty in a public hospital, you can get 50% of your basic hourly remuneration for each hour of the shift. For a night shift, you are granted a bonus of 100% of your rate. The same applies to Sundays and public holidays that are not your regular working days.
What about Saturdays? Again, in Poland, in the case of on-call duty that falls on a Saturday, you get 50% of your basic hourly remuneration.
Do you need a medical uniform to create a tidy and professional look that will impress your patients and colleagues alike? Browse through the versatile range of products that we offer! Pick your favourites from our women’s scrubs sets and create an outfit that will make you shine on your first day at work.