At Children’s, one of our core Values is “Committed to Self.” We put this into practice by encouraging our team to prioritize self-care and focus on their emotional and physical wellbeing. This allows them to be at their best for the people who depend on them.

See how one Children’s night-shift nurse finds opportunities to clear her mind and stay connected to loved ones despite her hectic schedule.

PICU Nurse Kerri Porter Shares Her Night-Shift Routine

What does your routine look like as a night-shift employee?

I usually work 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 a.m. three days per week, in a back-to-back schedule. I’ve found that’s what works best for me to prioritize social events, relationships and daytime activities during the rest of the week.

My role in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) looks different every shift, and I’ve grown into more responsibilities since I started at Children’s six years ago. I now alternate between three main roles: resource nurse, rapid nurse and onboarding specialist. As a resource and rapid nurse, I assist where needed throughout the PICU and occasionally in the Scottish Rite Hospital Emergency Department (ED). On nights when we have new nurses in the PICU, I serve as their onboarding specialist to support their training and help mentor them on the unit. I’m also on the “night owl” committee for the PICU, which meets regularly to talk through any potential issues and solutions, and to schedule seasonal activities and events for the PICU employees who work night shift.

How do you prioritize self-care on and off shift?

I love being outside, especially when the sun is shining. And even when I’m working nights, I find it helpful to take routine breaks where I can step outside for a breath of fresh air during my shifts. On my off days, I do my best to fit in workouts and other physical activity. And I particularly enjoy hiking with my boyfriend, David, and dog, Forrest.

I am also learning how to listen to my body and take note of how stress affects me, so I can respond in ways that help me feel better and stay resilient by resting, connecting with nature and staying hydrated.

Working night shift, it can be difficult to find time for relationships, especially when most of my friends and loved ones work a typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday. My team and I have been able to combat that by developing strong friendships while working together. We have bonded over our shared experiences and now routinely meet up to hang out on our days off, grab breakfast when our shifts end, and go to Atlanta sports events together.

“Prioritizing relationships like the ones I have with my co-workers is an important part of how I practice self-care and further my wellness journey.”

Our friendship and bond as a team adds an extra layer of comfort and peace when we experience struggles or painful events with patients in the PICU. Because we’ve established trust among us, we can serve as support for each other and help build one another up during low times. I’m a people person, so prioritizing relationships like the ones I have with my co-workers is an important part of how I practice self-care and further my wellness journey.

How does taking care of yourself help you show up for others at Children’s and beyond?

I’ve learned taking care of yourself takes dedication and consistent effort, especially as a “night owl.” However, it’s essential to being able to show up for others. In the PICU, everyone we care for is in a vulnerable place—patients and parents alike—and the stakes are too high to risk not being at our best.

A habit that helps me is going through a regular mental check-in with myself, even during slower shifts and off days. That way, when troubles come or when I start to feel worn down, my first instinct is to take some time alone so I can check what I need physically and mentally to regain my resilience.

I’m so grateful I’ve found the balance that works for me and my wellness, and that I have such a strong support system in my Children’s team. I feel confident and empowered to stay Committed to Self and keep doing everything possible to make anything possible for kids for years to come.

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