11 Hacks to Make Your Work Life Easier

What’s the one thing that would make your work life go more smoothly?

If you’re stressed out before you even get to work, if you feel like a whirling dervish throughout the day — maybe you could use a few shortcuts to get you through your shifts more easily. Here are 11 work-life hacks to make life, and work, a little easier this year.

1. Fill your pockets

As soon as you get to work, fill your pockets with the items you use the most. Plus bring along anything that helps you keep organized, like clipboards and smartphone apps – just figure out what works best for you.

2. Keep a shift journal

One item you should always keep in your pocket is a notepad. Take notes during the report — list key items to remember and add to this list as your day progresses. When you’re on the night shift and are really tired, you won’t have to worry about relying on your memory, because all the information will be written down. Speaking of which…

3. Chart as you go

Try not to leave your charting until the end of your shift. Real-time documenting tends to spare frustration and time.

4. Delegate dinner (and breakfast, and lunch…)

With meal delivery services you can delegate food prep and grocery shopping. Plan your meals in advance, reduce the time you spend grocery shopping, and keep healthy food in your routine. Most services offer discounts and even free meals to new customers, so you can try out different services before choosing your favorite(s).

It’s like having a personal chef. No more time-consuming grocery shopping and meal prep.

5. Download nursing apps

Your own mind and the resource of coworkers and fellow staff is better than any app, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the best of both. Need to look something up on the go? There’s an app for that. Looking for the latest in nursing news? There’s an app for that too. In fact, if you have a smartphone in your pocket, you have access to useful and even award-winning nursing apps to save time and get access to useful information, faster.

6. Hack your commute

Transform your commute from wasted time into an asset by catching up on reading or learning something new. Try an audiobook for the first time or plug into your favorite podcast on the drive. You might become so engrossed in a compelling story that you won’t even notice the traffic!

7. Take a break and meditate

As you know, it’s important to take breaks throughout the day, if only for a few moments. Refresh your mind by making your breaks count: a walk in the sun, a quick cat nap, or even a little meditation will help you fully “check out” and boost your energy.

8. Delight your coworkers

Do something nice for your coworkers and reap the benefits ten-fold. Bring in a round of coffee or snacks, or lend an unsolicited and helping hand. Happy co-workers make for a happy environment. All-around good spirits are infectious; they pave the way for a fun and enjoyable shift.

9. Do a few push-ups

There aren’t many quick exercises you can do that instantly warm your body, re-activate your brain, burn calories and significantly tone up your abdominal muscles…except, that is, for push-ups! Try a few on your next break to refresh your body and soul.

10. Invest in an eye mask

Naps are essential on long shifts. We all benefit from sleeping in complete darkness. But, some research has shown that female night shift workers are at a higher risk for sleep-related health issues than the average person. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to reduce your risks and improve the quality of the sleep you can get. Invest in a black-out eye mask (we’ve heard this one is the best) and a pair of earplugs to help fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep — even shorter naps.

BONUS hack!

Looking for more shortcuts to get you through the day? Call your recruiter at 888.NNP.JOBS if you need a pick-me-up, words of encouragement, or just have a question.