new job/new grad/night shift

[anashenwrath, ASN, RN]

I am a new grad with an ADN, and interested in LTC/gerontology/hospice.

I had a really good interview at an LTC facility in my dream location. It has post-acute care onsite as well as hospice and Alzheimer's care. The pay is decent, there is 4 weeks training, and there seem to be lots of onsite classes for nurses and aides. So far so good!

The position that was open was for a night nurse. Now, I like the idea of working nights, bcs I understand you have a lot more autonomy, etc. But I would be the only RN on my floor. Not going to lie. That kind of freaks me out. I mean, there would be two aides there as well, and I believe there is a night manager who moves from floor to floor. But, I mean, what if there is an emergency? What if my patients need help, and here I am still at an "advanced beginner" stage, flipping through a rule book bcs I don't have that natural nursing intuition yet??

The woman who interviewed me knew that I was a new grad with little clinical experience outside of school. So part of me is like, "if she thinks I'm capable, then this must be possible." But I'd like to get some opinions. If any managers could tell me if you'd trust a new grad alone on the night shift? Or if any other RNs in LTC could help me understand what it's going to be like, I'd really appreciate it!

[KJM-RN, BSN]

I have recently started in a facility that sounds just like yours. On the subacute rehab units there is another nurse during the night, but LTC units have only one nurse. My ADON told me she doesn't like to put new nurses on nights because they are often left alone. I've only been off orientation for a week and the thought of not having another nurse to ask for help makes me nervous as well. On the other hand I wouldn't turn down a position over it, you'll learn a lot and if something does go wrong, call the supervisor. My supervisors are always wandering around the building checking on everyone, they're there to help with the problems. Good luck!

[anashenwrath, ASN, RN]

Thanks for the feedback KJM-RN, even if it made my palms sweaty! I definitely don't think I could turn down the position over this--not with the job market the way it is! But I want to make sure I'm keeping my residents safe and sound throughout the night.

Are you on nights? How's it been so far? Was your training useful?

[chrisrn24]

Could you train on day shift and get your feet wet there?

Is the supervisor a nurse? Could she/he come quickly if needed? If so I would take it. Sounds like you get good training there which is great.

If something extremely overwhelming happens - if a crisis happens - knowing the protocols is the best thing to do. If worse comes to worse, get an order to send them to the ED for evaluation.

[anashenwrath, ASN, RN]

Yes, thank goodness the training is during the day. She said it's specifically to ensure that I get experience with the day stuff, esp in post-acute. And they do lots of inservices specifically at the end of the night shift so that night nurses can attend. which is awesome.

It's just nerve wracking bcs... well for a lot of reasons! But also, I was an evening student, so my clinicals were all during the night shift at the hospital. I mean, on the one hand that's obviously good bcs it means I'm familiar with the night shift. But on the other hand, I'm having that "oh god I don't even feel like a real nurse!" panic, and the fact that I didn't do a lot of day work is not helping!

I'll look into the supervisor. I believe she said the supervisor was a nurse, but that's a good thing to double check.

thank you for the advice!!!!!!!