The 'Oh No' Moments 5 Minutes Before Clocking Out: Why Caregivers Know 'The Last Little Bit' Is the Most Dangerous

A casual post I made on X (formerly Twitter) saying,
'I've had times where I found a fall 5 minutes before clocking out and ended up with overtime 😅'
got a much bigger response than I expected.

'That is so relatable...'
'I've been called over even after I'd already changed my clothes'
'"On time" is just an illusion'

Seeing comments like those, I couldn't help but nod and think, 'I guess everyone really has had similar experiences.'

This time, I'd like to write about the reality behind these 'relatable incidents' and what I've learned from them myself.

■ Finding a fall 5 minutes before clocking out = Guaranteed overtime

That day, work had finished unusually smoothly, and I was feeling lighthearted, thinking,
'Maybe I can actually leave on time today!' with just 5 minutes left until clocking out.

Just then, I suddenly heard a dull thud from down the hallway.

I rushed over to find a resident who had fallen and was sitting on the floor. Checking the situation, checking vitals, filing an incident report, handing over the shift...
Of course, there was no way I could just leave, so overtime was guaranteed.

■ We let our guard down exactly when we think we're 'almost there'

I think every caregiver has experienced this at least once.

Falls or sudden changes in condition happen right at the end of the shift

Trouble happens exactly when you let your guard down

The days you think 'I might be able to leave on time' are usually the days you can't

This phenomenon, which could be called a 'caregiver classic,' is partly because my own concentration is waning, but I wonder if the residents also sense the 'vibe that staff are about to leave.'

■ It's not just the problem of a fall = overtime

Of course, safety comes first, and it's a good thing that I noticed it quickly. But it's also true that a part of me feels this way deep down.

Sometimes I want to blame myself for thinking that, but I felt it was important to draw a line for myself before falling into the dangerous mindset of 'it might have been easier if I hadn't noticed.'

■ What I am mindful of

Since then, I have created a 'routine to keep my guard up' 5 minutes before the end of my shift.

Quickly check the position and condition of residents at risk of falling

Take one final look around the entire floor

Proactively initiate the handover and shift report early

By being mindful for just those few minutes, I feel like I've somewhat reduced the probability of discovering a last-minute issue and having to work overtime.

■ Conclusion

Being able to 'notice' something is proof of your sense of responsibility as a caregiver. But it's also human nature to think, 'Why did this have to happen right now?'

That is precisely why I believe we need mutual support and empathy.

When you discover an 'oh no' moment five minutes before clocking out,
I hope we can be workplaces where we say to each other, 'Good work' and 'Nice catch!'

💡 Thank you for reading!

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