What have your co-workers done to make a shift go more smoothly?

2 I had a lot of good co-workers, and realize I was fortunate (yeah- there were a few duds along the way- but the vast majority were really great to work with).

It's hard to pin any one thing down. Probably the one I recall from the place I really miss is how everyone just worked together. I was in charge (no patient assignment), but would see everybody each shift. The LVNs, CNA, and unit clerk I worked with (and once in a while an RN) were SO great about just working as a team with repositioning ( a lot of ortho surgeries), post-op vitals, grabbing supplies, etc. It was a cohesive team.

One of the most "organized" co-workers was one of the unit clerks I worked with. At first I didn't know what to think- LOL She would hurdle over my body to get the phone if I reached to answer it (trying to be helpful- ). We got the territorial stuff worked out, and she was great. By the time I got the chart to check orders, she had all consents, blood consents, lab reqs, etc-this was before EMRs. And she got them RIGHT. We all had a sort of tongue in cheek nickname for her WCFH....Ward Clerk From H*** (she knew about it, and if anyone asked about who was there for the shift, someone would holler out "Hey, is the WCFH here?". For those who didn't know the whole story it sounded awful- but everybody groaned if she wasn't there.
Ward clerks are invaluable and an essential part of the team. Some are more efficient than others-lol. It's really helpful to me when the offgoing night nurse takes care of the 0730 meds. That's a pain in the butt to me because I like to plan cares and coordinatemed times before I walk into the patients' rooms.

I think working together is the key. There are generally three nurses and one patient tech on my floor. If we have a new admit, two nurses “tag-team” the new admit in order to finish it in about 45 minutes. During that time, the third nurse and tech are answering calls. If there are medications or fluids that need to be hung, the third nurse takes care of it. If I notice one of the nurses drowning, I help her/him out without asking. The same goes with the Patient Care Tech. I start helping him/her with vitals and accu checks. They do the same for me. We have two charge nurses who are willing to help out while others hand out in the office acting as though they are swapped with paper work.

Documenting my tele strips for me when I let them pile up at the end of my shift

That's really good that you have lots of co-workers..I do agree that you are fortunate in this thing..As you have to work with your colleagues and spend the whole time of your shift with them,..So if they are of large number than it would be good..

Running and getting meds from pharmacy for me when a patient's not doing so hot, doing ANY part of an admission for me, helping turn/bathe/whatever, grabbing something for me when I'm in an isolation room. Also, being receptive when I ask questions of any sort. I tell ya, co-workers can really make or break you.

In the old days, all of the MARS were handwritten by the night shift where I worked. I worked night shift and we were all suppose to help with the MARS. I worked full time and the other nurses didn't help much with this job. I'll never forget the night I came in all stressed out,worrying and thinking "OMG they all have to be completely done by tonight". Imagine my utter surprise, when I discovered that one of the new night nurses had really knocked herself out and had the job almost totally completed!!!!!

Brought beer.Nah just kidding. We are pretty tight group and can read each other incredibly well. You can tell just how someones night is going by the look on their face, the hustle in their step and speed in which they get everything done. Once you see that people are fast to jump up and help to make everything easier.

Quote from Blackcat99In the old days, all of the MARS were handwritten by the night shift where I worked. I worked night shift and we were all suppose to help with the MARS. I worked full time and the other nurses didn't help much with this job. I'll never forget the night I came in all stressed out,worrying and thinking "OMG they all have to be completely done by tonight". Imagine my utter surprise, when I discovered that one of the new night nurses had really knocked herself out and had the job almost totally completed!!!!!

Help each other out, without asking. Little things like turning pts, suction- all the two-hourly things we do. It's just done in time for breaks. And done well. Using each other rather than the access/in charge people. Takes the pressure off everyone.

Being an extra set of eyes and catching when I'm about to screw up.

Quote from NYLizAt my facility we still do that, and night shift only uses red pen, evenings use green, and days are black and blue. Theres not one computer in the whole place. Turn-over night, what a nightmare. its coming soon in 9 days.

My last job had 2 separate units with 3 nurses between them. One nurse had to pick up most of her patients from the first unit and 3 off the second unit which I was working. Anyway I could see she was busy so I told her not to worry about the patients on my unit I'd take care of them the rest of the shift. So maybe about a week or two later we only had 2 nurses working between the units. Me and her. So that meant we both had about 31 patients a piece but I had to pick up 6 from the first unit. Anyway I had an admission and was very behind and she picked up the 6 patients I was supposed to get on her unit. Which was very helpful.I've also had a few CNAs really help me out a few times too. So it pays to help out your co-workers and treat them right