New CNA - Need some advice!

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I just passed my state exam 1 1/2 weeks ago and got my first job offer for a full time position! I accepted it! I'll be working where we did clinicals! (LTC)

:)

It's for an overnight position since the other shift (days) that I applied for is full on CNA's.

Any tips for a new CNA?

Could any of you who have experienced overnights give me some insight on what the work shift typically consists of? Do/Did you enjoy the shift? I've NEVER worked overnights before. My main concern is adjusting to staying awake during those hours.. (10:30pm- 6:30am)

I start orientation on day shift in less than two weeks!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Pediatric Home Care, Dr Office/Clinic.

Congrats! I'm a new CNA too! I just started at a SNF about a week ago, its REALLY hard & often challenging mentally & physically but I like being kept on my toes. Just know that the first few weeks are the hardest but once you get used to the patients & develop a routine you'll be fine.

I work the 11 pm-7 am shift. I'm still adjusting to the late nights...usually I get sleepy around 3/4 am when it's quiet but I've been pushing through it. Red bull is my best friend lol.

What I do is sleep from 8 am-11 am. Then I sleep as long as I can again from 3:30 pm-9:30 pm. Usually for my second nap, I can only sleep 2 hours. I eat dinner, then I get ready for work. Getting 6-7 hours of sleep is key. If you can only sleep once during the day(you go to school in the am or work another job), just try & at least sleep 6 hours somehow some way. Get blackout curtains for your room & try natural sleep aids like 1/2 a tablet of melatonin the first week or two to get you used to sleeping during the day. Invest in emergen-c & high power/protein snacks to snack on at work to keep your energy levels up. Hydrate as much as possible while working--water, coconut water, juices, smoothies whatever, it's really important to keep your health up.

Basically, at my facility on night shift you pass out nourishment and/or hydration 11 pm-11:30 pm. 11:30-1:30 ish answer call lights, 1:30- 2 am you do your first rounds of brief checks/changes, 2-3 am answer call lights, 3-3:30 am break, 3:30-5 am answer call lights, 5 am-6 am last round of brief checks/changes, 6 am-6:30 am charting. 6:30-7 am answer call lights/check on patients. From what I know most night shifts follow a "similar" scenario. HTH! Good luck! And feel free to private message me anytime if you have more questions :-)

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Welcome! First things first ignore the drama. It's there, don't let it get to you.

Second: come up with a routine. It's important to get rounds, showers, get ups on time in a safe matter

third: get sleep! It's hard sleeping through the day, but you have to do.

Fourth: actually, this should be first but that's ok....ask for help if you need, don't out yourself or your resident in danger. Also, make sure to always report an in incident. :)

enjoy. The job is rough at time but worth it.

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I've only ever worked 11-7 after just having worked 3-11, but this has been my experience:

Get assignment

Check on all residents: in bed, breathing, clean and dry, bed alarm on and working, bed in lowest position, floor mat in place, etc.

Help other aides as needed

Answer call lights

Around 3 we replace every resident's water (as long as they aren't on thickened liquid)

Then the rest of the night is basically just checking on people making sure they are dry. If I feel I have enough work done and that I'm not leaving someone wet I will take a break. Some of the other aides take their two 15 minutes and 30 minute lunch together so they can sleep in their car a bit. A few residents get up early so we get them changed and ready for the day.

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