[Jolly]

I interviewed for a position on a 16-bed unit for residents with dual-diagnosis this past week. It is for the 3 - 11 shift, and the opportunity for being hired looks promising, just as long as my background checks are cleared.
I am new to psych nursing, am incredibly excited about this opportunity, and I'd like to hear from those of you who have experience with the 3 - 11 shift -

- what's your routine?
- any pattern to the residents' behaviors?

and

can you give a new gal any tips?

Thanks for your help.

[gingerzoe]

I worked 3-11 in a state mental hospital. I worked with dual diagnosed mentally retarded individuals. I worked there eight years. I really like 3-11 shift, you can get stuff done in the morning and then go to work. The residents I worked with did recreational things in the evenings, like go to movies or dinner or just watch tv. I think it is a great shift, especially if you are not a morning person.

[123pollynurse]

I HAVE BEEN A RN FOR 23 YEARS, WORKING THE LAST 11 YEARS PART-TIME 2-10 SHIFT. THIS IS NOT THE SHIFT FOR A MOTHER WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AT HOME. THANKFULLY, I ONLY WORK IT 3 DAYS A WEEK. THE PATIENTS SEEEM TO GET WORKED UP AS THE EVENING GOES ON AND YOU GET THE MAJORITY OF ADMISSIONS. YOU HAVE LESS STAFF AS COMPARED TO DAYSHIFT. MOST PATIENTS ARE SO DRUGGED IN THE MORNING THEY START WAKING UP BY 4PM. SORRY THIS SOUNDS SO DEPRESSING BUT I THINK IT IS REALITY. GOOD LUCK!

[the new girl]

I have to agree with 123Pollynurse in that second shift gets the majority of the addmissions, with ALL the paperwork, and they are more lively (to put it in a NICE way) in the early evening. I'm not sure if it's a second wind or what. We have found that the hours before we take the kids to bed to be the most active. We were rockin' and a rolling tonite for example... 2 seclusions, restraints, a couple of codes... a transfer in from the open unit... I didn't even want to know how many P.R.N.s were given!! Too many I'm sure. But the nights go really fast when this happens. We have a lot of fun with the patients too, and I think we actually have a lot more 1:1 interactions with them. I find that they really like our shift, and that may be the reason why. Or maybe it's because we are so charming... LOL

[mag48293]

I've always worked 3-11 shift in Psych and dual diagnosis. It's the shift that has the most patient contact, that's why I like it. You really have an opportunity to interact with the patients and sometimes, 'make a difference'!

I've also found that a lot of admissions come on the 3-11 shift. That can mean a busy shift, but also the opportunity to meet the patient first and kind of set the tone of the unit.

Good luck!

[maureeno]

only can add eves often offer more opportunity for working with family members
and
can also offer a more relaxed atmosphere

[Jolly]

Thanks for the responses!

Orientation began last week - hospital policy information, HIPAA guidelines, corporate compliance, safety issues, and a day-long class on "Handle with Care", which is the facility's method in crisis intervention (code call); the next two days consist of introductions to the different diagnosises (sp?) and medications/interventions. I will begin orienting to the unit itself in a couple of days.
Am a little frightened, but very enthusiastic.

[the new girl]

good luck to you!!
I'll be anxious to hear how it's going.