Hi, I’m Kati Kleber, MSN RN. I’m so glad you’re here!

I graduated from nursing school in 2010 and started on a busy cardiac med-surg floor, then moved into neuro ICU. I quickly realized that school taught me what to do clinically, but not how to actually run a real 12-hour shift with a full patient load, constant interruptions, new orders, throughput, and the pressure of real-world constraints.

Please note my really amazing purple polo + vest combo from 2007 when I first started nursing school in the upper left corner. Clearly I felt 10/10 here.

(Full bio is here.)

I created FreshRN in 2013 (and have been helping new and newer nurses ever since) because I never wanted another nurse to feel as overwhelmed and behind as I did in those first couple of years. The Acute Care Shift Operating System (Shift OS) is the exact framework I wish I had when I started. It’s not another collection of random tips or a generic time-management checklist. It’s a repeatable, adaptable operating system; a spine you can run every single shift, no matter your unit, patient mix, or hospital culture.

This course will give you the structure, decision rules, and practical tools to go from feeling reactive and scattered to feeling in control, even when the shift gets messy (because it will). You’ll learn to sequence, anchor your time, triage interruptions, and finish strong so you can actually leave the hospital at the end of your shift without dread.

What This Course Is (and Isn’t)

It IS: A practical, high-yield operating system built specifically for acute care (med-surg, stepdown, and ICU).

It IS NOT: A replacement for your hospital’s policies, procedures, orientation, or residency program. It is not medical advice, and it does not override clinical judgment or facility-specific protocols.

Your Bonus Resources

As a bonus with your purchase of the Acute Care Shift Operating System, you also get lifetime access to:

• FreshRN Reference Library – a huge collection of quick-reference lessons, PDFs, checklists, and equipment explainers you can use on every shift.
• Report Mini-Master Class – a focused mini-course that will help you give and receive report faster, more confidently, and more effectively.

Both of these are technically separate courses, but they will automatically appear in your Teachable library as soon as you log in.

You’ll also receive the Thrive With Any Preceptor Bonus Lesson, which is built right into this Acute Care Shift Framework course. It gives you practical strategies for getting the most out of your orientation and working well with any preceptor.

How to Navigate This Course on Teachable

You’re watching this welcome video and reading this module inside the Teachable platform. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Use the curriculum sidebar (left side of the screen) to move between modules.
• Every module contains:
  • Video lessons (watch in order)
  • Written content (like this module) for quick reference
  • Downloadable PDFs, checklists, scripts, and tools (located at the end of each module)
• Mark lessons as “Complete” as you finish them so you can easily track your progress.
• Download the Shift Dashboard (days and nights versions) right away—you’ll start using it on your very next shift.
• All resources are yours to keep and print forever.

Important Disclaimers

This framework is a general guide based on common acute care practices. Any hospital policies, procedures, and/or protocols always take precedence over anything taught here.

Nothing in this course is intended as individualized medical advice or to replace your clinical judgment, facility training, or chain of command.

Use your best professional judgment at all times. When in doubt, ask your preceptor, charge nurse, or follow your unit’s standards.

The goal is to help you build confidence and efficiency while staying 100% safe.

Return Policy

We want you to feel completely confident in your purchase. If this course isn’t the right fit for you, you may request a refund within 14 days of purchase as long as you have completed less than 50% of the course content. Simply email refunds@freshrn.com and our team will take care of it for you. (No questions asked.)

How to Get the Most Out of This Course

1. Watch the videos in order. They’re short, practical, and full of real-world examples.
2. Download and print the PDFs (report sheets, Shift Dashboard, checklists, scripts, etc.). Keep them in your locker or on your clipboard.
3. Apply it immediately. Start using the spine (SET → LAUNCH → SWEEP → SUSTAIN → CLOSE) and the three core rules on your next shift—even if you only implement pieces at first.
4. Refer back often. This is a working system, not a one-time read. Come back to the modules whenever you feel behind or need a reset. You have lifetime access.
5. Be kind to yourself. You’re not supposed to master this on day one. Progress over perfection.

Course Overview

• Module 1: Spine Scaffolding + Rules Overlay (the backbone of every shift)
• Module 2: Set (pre-report prep + intentional planning)
• Module 3: Launch (Round 1 execution)
• Module 4: Sweep (Round 2 + lower-priority tasks)
• Module 5: Sustain (middle-of-shift throughput and adaptation)
• Module 6: Close (finish strong and hand off cleanly)

Each module includes realistic timeframes, med-surg/stepdown/ICU callouts, downloadable tools, and scripting to make the system easy to use right away.

Ready to Get Started?

You now have the operating system that will change how you experience every shift, plus all the bonus resources to support you even further.

Take a deep breath—you’ve got this. I’m so excited for you to go from surviving to confidently running your assignment.

Whenever you’re ready, head into Module 1 and let’s build your Shift OS spine together.

Welcome to the FreshRN family!

— Kati Kleber, MSN, RN