What Patients Should Know to Connect and Advocate Better

Morning Routine (6:30 AM – 10:00 AM)

☐ Nurse arrives early to review charts and patient histories
☐ Shift change report (7:00 AM): nurse gets briefed on your care
☐ Morning assessment: bathroom, pain control, breakfast needs
☐ Morning meds and first vital signs check
☐ If available, CNA helps with basic care — but nurses often cover this too
☐ Nurse balances patient care with heavy documentation

Midday Hustle (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

☐ Nurse coordinates tests (X-rays, blood work, therapies)
☐ Continues administering medications as scheduled
☐ Provides emotional support alongside physical care
☐ Communicates with doctors, therapists, pharmacists about your plan
☐ Juggles emergencies, patient updates, and new orders
☐ Charting continues — vital for your medical record

Afternoon Stretch (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

☐ Follows up on test results and doctor updates
☐ Addresses new needs: pain management, repositioning, bathroom trips
☐ Final rounds of afternoon medications
☐ More documentation — recording progress and incidents
☐ Advocate for discharge planning questions — nurses can guide you

Evening Wrap-Up (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)

☐ Prepares end-of-shift reports for next nurse
☐ Ensures patient comfort: repositioning, fresh water, final meds
☐ Supports quiet time for patient rest
☐ Last checks: vitals, safety, personal needs before handing over care

Tips to Connect with Your Nurse

 Understand that nurses juggle care for multiple patients
 Communicate clearly and kindly — you’re part of the team
 Be patient — delays are usually system-driven, not personal
 Say thank you — a small acknowledgment goes a long way
Respect nurses’ emotional and physical workload — they care deeply

Remember:

Your nurse is your lifeline in the hospital — advocate for yourself with your nurse, not against her. Compassion and teamwork can change everything.