Medsag - Nursing Workforce

6 TIPS FOR SURVIVING YOUR FIRST NIGHT SHIFT

Think you’re ready? Or fear you won’t be?
We’ve compiled some suggestions for that first night shift:

PLAN YOUR SLEEP
This is a precious resource. Keep to a sustainable schedule of sleeping. And protect the quality of your sleep - an eye mask, ear plugs, blackout curtains, and fresh linen can all help.

MAINTAIN YOUR EXERCISE REGIME
It’s very easy to let this side, but resist that temptation. Regular exercise aids concentration, promotes stamina, and actually improves sleep!

EAT A LITTLE AND OFTEN
If you’re thinking of a blow-out meal before starting your shift, think again. This will likely make you feel slow and sleepy, not awake and alert. Bring a pack of healthy snacks (bananas, vegetables, hummus, muesli bars, or granola). Avoid high energy drinks - aim to be attentive, not wired. Green tea works as a moderate caffeine stimulant but avoid near the end of your shift, if you intend sleeping just afterwards.

KEEP MOVING
If tiredness is coming on and a short nap break isn’t an option, keep moving about. Try to go outside once and a while for some fresh air.

DRINK WATER
Again, the trick with hydration is to top up regularly, rather than down a whole bottle at the beginning or end of shift. Dehydration affects both mood and alertness.

SHARE IN THE TEAM SPIRIT
No doubt about it, night shifts are physically tough. Take strength from those around you. You might be surprised by the team spirit of night crews, but everyone’s in the same boat. Get to know them and maybe bring a few extra snacks to share.

We’re hiring for multiple locations across Ontario. Interested in finding out more?
Send your resume to: [email protected]
Or call us for more info: (416) 857-1464

WHAT IS PER DIEM NURSING?
First, that Latin term: ‘Per Diem’. It literally means ‘by the day’. So, the opposite of permanent or long term, but in practice it can describe a range of working-on-call scenarios.

A Per Diem nurse might fill in at very short notice, such as covering for sick calls. They may also be asked to provide additional support during seasonal Flu or Covid surges, where existing staff levels are insufficient. And they can be scheduled well in advance to cover staff on vacations, etc.

A defining feature of Per Diem nursing is accelerated learning and expertise. You’ll see, experience, and learn more over a short time than many resident staff.

Considering a career in Per Diem nursing and would like to find out more?
Send your resume to: [email protected]
Or call us for more info: (416) 857-1464

3 WAYS TO IMPRESS AS A PER DIEM NURSE

As a Per Diem Nurse, you’ll often find yourself working with unfamiliar team members. The point is not so much to impress, but to work together more effectively. Still, it’s nice to impress!

FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR TEAM
As you’ll need to earn the trust of your colleagues more quickly than a resident nurse, ask about their hospital practices and favoured routines. Be curious, but respectful too.

USE AND SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE
You may find that you have more experience with various kinds of medicine than your colleagues. Volunteer and share this knowledge as appropriate. It’s one of the great benefits of being a Per Diem nurse.

KEEP LEARNING
That’s one reason why you do what you do. You want to keep learning so that you can benefit others and improve outcomes. And if you’ve learned something from your new colleagues, let them know. They’ll appreciate it.

Want to advance your nursing career and find new work opportunities?
Send your resume to: [email protected]
Or call us for more info: (416) 857-1464

3 REASONS WHY EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN NURSING IS SO IMPORTANT

It’s rarely enough just to recognize a problem and act. A patient carer and team member must be able to explain. And that’s especially important for travelling nurses, who may be less familiar with their colleagues.

CLARITY SAVES TIME
If you can express yourself clearly and precisely, those around you can understand you more quickly. In critical care situations, this can save lives.

GOOD COMMUNICATION MEANS LISTENING
And listening means hearing patients and your colleagues without assuming you already know what they’re going to say. Listen carefully.

ASK FOR FEEDBACK
If you suspect a patient or colleague hasn’t understood you, always ask. Effective communication often depends on assessing background, education, and social convention. Have you understood your audience?

Are you a nurse who’s also an exceptional communicator? We’re hiring for multiple locations across Ontario.
Send your resume to: [email protected]
Or call us for more info: (416) 857-1464

4 SIGNS YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE MISERABLE — AND HOW TO FIX IT

Nursing can be highly pressured at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
If you’re seeing one or more of the following signs, then it may be time to act.

🚨 PRODUCTIVITY IS SLIDING

🚨 ABSENTEEISM / LATENESS

🚨 ARGUMENTS / COMPLAINTS BETWEEN STAFF

🚨 DISENGAGEMENT / SILENCE

Sometimes, it’s just one employee. But if it’s more than one, then the problems may run deeper in your organisation.

What to do?

Talk to the employee’s immediate superior to gain insight. But consider whether the problem might also lie in the chain of command.

Next step - talk to the employee directly and establish whether they recognise the problem. Ask them for their perspective. What change might make them happier / more productive?

If more than one employee, consider whether a series of individual or group meetings could help identify the issue(s).

Establish the causes through observation and dialogue. Agree defined remedies.

Ensure that common goals and targets are understood and implemented.

Looking to advance your nursing career? We’re hiring for multiple locations across Ontario.
Send your resume to: [email protected]
Or call us for more info: (416) 857-1464

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR INFLUENCES ON THE WELL-BEING OF NURSES?

These are some of the negative factors we think can make a big difference on mood, health, and outlook:

⚠️ OVERWORK & LONG HOURS
⚠️ LACK OF PROFESSIONAL EMPOWERMENT OR RESOURCES
⚠️ EXECUTIVE MISMANAGEMENT
⚠️ FEELING UNDERVALUED OR UNDERPAID

Not all of these factors can be readily fixed, but there are positive steps that can be taken to promote wellbeing:

✅ PRIORITISE SUFFICIENT SLEEP
✅ MAKE TIME FOR REGULAR EXERCISE
✅ EAT HEALTHILY & REGULARLY
✅ KNOW YOUR LIMITS - AND SPEAK UP!

We’re hiring Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, and Personal Support Workers for multiple locations across Ontario. Want to broaden your career and opportunities?
Send your resume to: [email protected]
Or call us for more info: (416) 857-1464