Guiding care after dark

PARKER, Colo. — For Alyssa Lee, RN, BSN, CCRN, nursing has always been about connection.

“I’ve always been interested in medicine,” she shares. “I originally planned to go to medical school, but I fell in love with nursing because I wanted to be more hands-on with patient care.”

Today, Alyssa serves as the night shift Assistant Nurse Manager in the ICU at AdventHealth Parker, where she balances leadership responsibilities with hands-on care. While she’s been at Parker for 10 months, her journey with AdventHealth began in 2021 at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel in Florida, where she progressed from bedside ICU nurse to Charge RN and Assistant Nurse Manager before relocating to Colorado.

A Calling for Nights

Alyssa has spent her entire 10½-year nursing career on nights and it’s where she thrives.

“I’ve always been a night owl,” she says. “Now, with two kids, nights also allow me to spend time with my family during the day.”

Beyond the schedule, she values the autonomy nights provide. With fewer resources available, she’s been able to strengthen her clinical skills and serve as a steady resource for newer nurses.

A Culture of Teamwork

Across the hospitals she’s worked in, Alyssa says night shift culture stands out.

“Night teams are incredibly collaborative because we rely on each other more,” she explains. “At Parker, that teamwork is exceptional.”

In the ICU, team members step in without being asked - whether that means helping during a critical moment or supporting a colleague through a busy shift. “You’re never alone,” Alyssa says. “Everyone jumps in to make sure both patients and team members are supported.”

The Reality of Overnight Care

While some may imagine quiet hospital nights, Alyssa says they are anything but.

“We often see a high number of admissions overnight, and our census continues to grow,” she explains. “At the same time, we’re working to complete assessments, medications, and care in a way that allows patients to rest.”

Her team is intentional about creating a calm environment by lowering lights, reducing noise, and coordinating care to minimize disruptions - while still delivering high-quality care.

Leading Through Complexity

With fewer providers overnight, nurses rely heavily on their clinical judgment.

“One of our biggest challenges is knowing what needs immediate escalation and what we can manage independently,” Alyssa says.

As a leader, she supports her team by helping them think through decisions, anticipate provider needs, and communicate clearly to ensure safe, efficient care.

Moments That Matter

For Alyssa, the most meaningful moments often happen at night, when patients may feel most vulnerable.

She recalls caring for a young trauma patient far from home, waiting for family to arrive after a devastating accident.

“In those moments, we’re more than caregivers - we’re their support system,” she says. “Helping bring comfort during someone’s hardest day is why I come to work.”

Pride in the Night Shift Team

What makes Alyssa most proud is the dedication of her team.

“They handle high patient volumes, complex cases, and emotional situations - all with fewer resources and higher ratios,” she says. “And they still find ways to deliver incredible care.”

She adds, “We’re the unseen part of the 24-hour care cycle. Not everyone could do what we do but I’m proud to be part of this team and the care we provide every single night.”