A Typical Day
A Typical Day
NSC Staff
We thought you’d like to read about a typical day in nursing if there is such a thing. One of the many reasons to pursue a career in nursing is that each day brings with it something different. In this article we’ll give you the details on what a typical day in nursing should be like from the standpoint of a nurse in a hospital from the start of her or his shift all the way until the end of the day. This should give you a good idea of what a nursing career is like in a hospital, although keep in mind there’s so much more to a career in nursing and the different fields of nursing you can pursue.

A Typical Day in Nursing


Shift Handoff - This is the part of your day when you start your shift. The nurse ending her day gives you a rundown of the condition of patients you are responsible for. This includes a detailed history of the patients you will be in charge of for your shift. Next you will begin your rounds to examine each patient’s status and to provide doctor prescribed medicines. In addition you will assist the Doctor during his or her rounds.

If one of the patients worsens you will be there to assist the patient and the Doctor.

Patients will look to you for medical advice, thus you will need to provide the advice you can answer and defer the rest of the questions to the Doctor.

One of the most important parts of nursing is monitoring patients and knowing when something is wrong so you can summon a Doctor.

Nurses need to be compassionate to all patients. Some patients may be so concerned about their own health that they will show little regard to the nurse. Nurses need to understand that patients are concerned with their own welfare and may not show the respect to nurses they deserve. Thankfully most patients are very grateful and show nurses the gratitude they deserve.