Though the number of people who smoke is ever so slightly lower with every passing year, it remains the largest contributor to death in the United States. One of the healthiest things people can do to lengthen their lives is to give up smoking or never start. Because 1 out of every 5 people in the US smoke, it is almost guaranteed that a nurse will encounter a few cases in which smoking is attributed to an illness of some sort. The sad truth is many smokers try to quit but have a hard time quitting. As a nurse, it will be your job to promote healthy living and that means understanding the huge affects smoking has on health letting your patients know. In commemoration of World No Tobacco Day, we have made this infographic with all the startling facts you’ll need to put some scare into your patients.

Click here to see the graphic!

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7:00 a.m. Susan receives a report on her patients. Nurses are generally responsible for two patients at any given time. After she has been updated on their progress, she meets with them to see for herself how they are doing. She begins by measuring their vitals and administering oral medications as necessary. If needed, other routine treatments may also be administered.

8:00 a.m. This is when nurses begin administering intravenous and oral medications the doctor has ordered. Susan also goes on rounds with the other members of the treatment team. This includes all of the physicians (including residents), physical therapists, pharmacists, and social workers responsible for the patients’ care. Susan discusses the patient’s status and treatment plan with the rest of the team. Together, they determine if any changes need to be made.

9:00 a.m. Susan must spend an hour completing the paperwork for both patients. Potential risks and the assessment that was completed at the beginning of the day are documented. Any changes are discussed with the physicians.

10:00 a.m. This time is spent performing another assessment of the patients. After the assessment is completed, Susan takes another hour to complete paperwork and charting. She then analyzes her patients’ vital signs. This whole process takes two hours. It is the quietest part of the shift and usually the best time for Susan to take a short lunch break.

12:00 p.m. Susan dedicates this time to performing intake and output procedures for the patients. If the patient has any drains present, they are emptied and all fluids that have been administered orally or intravenously are added up and recorded. Vital sign analyses are performed a second time and Susan takes the patient for any tests that are needed.

1:00 p.m. Susan conducts a third assessment of her patients. She may decide to reassign the patient to a different floor or administer medication and treatments that are necessary, depending on the patient’s condition. Another hour is spent completing more paperwork and vital signs analyses.  Susan then updates the doctor on changes in the conditions of her patients. The doctor lets her know if a new course of treatment is necessary.

2:00 p.m. This part of the shift is spent checking the patients’ vital signs one last time.  Afterwards, Susan must speak with the incoming shift and update them on the status of the patients. She also forwards any new orders the doctor has given. She finishes her shift by completing any leftover paperwork.

This is a general overview of what Susan may expect during her shift. Her actual schedule is influenced by what shift she works, which floor she works on, any emergencies that take place during the shift and the exact nature of her patients’ conditions. Nurses tend to find their day unpredictable, but they try to maintain as much structure as possible to make their patients’ treatment more effective and their recovery less stressful.

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