Each shift has its own unique assignment depending on the time of day. For instance, the day shift will have to contend with the majority of the therapy sessions, x-rays, scans, and other tests that will usually take the patient away from the unit. They will have the majority of the discharges as well as admissions. Bathing and linen changes are done in the morning. Coupled with the individual needs of each patient, every staff member has more than enough to accomplish. Everything should be done to avoid leaving anything extra for the next shift to handle.

Sometimes there develops a competition between shifts. For instance in a situation where the facility runs on two twelve-hour shifts (7 A.M. to 7 P.M. and 7 P.M. to 7 A.M.), the P.M. or night shift is often the “stepchild” so to speak. It becomes the inferior shift. The nurses on the A.M. or day shift often feel superior because they are working the chosen shift; the shift everyone wants and has to pay their dues to get onto.

In this instance, every time the P.M. shift leaves something for the day shift to complete, another demerit is piled on to their already poor reputation. The day shift is often very put upon and cannot possibly understand why the night shift couldn't get things done while most of the patients were sleeping.

Of course, if the day shift leaves something over, they're leaving it for the poor stepchildren because they were too busy. Never mind that half of the patients spent the day somewhere else. Everyone needs to do his or her part and to work with the system and not against it to ensure that everything gets done each shift.

Some activities that can help build team spirit include a column in your facility newsletter to spotlight employees throughout the facility in a “get to know them” manner. Bulletin boards where employees are encouraged to post family photos should be encouraged on the units. These could include family pets or vacation photos or pictures of a coworker's latest remodeling project. Devote a few minutes at staff meetings or once a week at report to share information about your shift and your family of employees.

When planned for, a few minutes spent devoted to team building will benefit everyone. Team building is not necessarily something that should be allowed to be put off just because the shift is too busy. This should be especially true if your team isn't working too well and needs to get back on track.

When a team is working well together, tasks usually won't be left undone. Team members will work together to help each other complete their assignments so that they can get out on time. A happy environment fosters improved productivity and less stress and can go a long way toward helping to recruit and retain the staff you have. Retention is as vital to curbing the nursing shortage as recruitment.