Staff development activities have traditionally been scheduled during the day. But, after working 20 years on the night shift, I know that the night shift staff has felt left out. The leadership availability has been the responsibility of one person, the supervisor.

Now, breaking with tradition, education has come to the 7 PM to 7 AM night shift at St Vincent-Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, and I am the educator. Although creation of the position was initially viewed with some skepticism, it is now seen as valuable.

At first, many were unsure what my role entailed. After a while, they understood that I am there for them, a liaison for staff, and a patient care advocate. My role varies from assisting staff in code management and transporting patients to testing, and just about any other situation encountered.

As a group, we discuss how situations are managed. When exceptional behaviors are...

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