psych job 3-11 shift?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 25, 2011

In my facility, 3-11 is usually when the bulk of the admissions come in. They kick them out during the day, then admit to fill the beds during the evening :)

Most of administration is out by 5, so you don't really have to deal with them. The doctors are out of there too, which can be good and bad: good in that you're not up to your neck taking off orders, bad if you need something...fortuntely, my docs never mind a phone call from me whenever I need something from them. It's more laid back than day shift, and since the patients are awake and interacting with you for most (if not all) of the shift, it's usually less boring than the overnight shift. The downside is that staffing can be sporificer than it is on the day shift.

I like working 3-11. Right now I can't work it all the time, but I enjoy the evenings when I get to.

jollydogg_RN, ADN, BSN · Jan 25, 2011

So not too bad is what you're saying? Thanks for the quick reply!

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jan 25, 2011

I'd agree with what Meriwhen wrote. I found it especially nice that there was more time to spend with the patients during evening shifts than during daytime shifts. That's when I could made a difference by interacting with them as a human being rather than as the pill-pusher and paperwork-doer.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 25, 2011

I'd agree with what Meriwhen wrote. I found it especially nice that there was more time to spend with the patients during evening shifts than during daytime shifts. That's when I could made a difference by interacting with them as a human being rather than as the pill-pusher and paperwork-doer.

So true. The days are so hectic--I spend most of my time doing paperwork and weilding phone calls from everyone: we have no unit secretary and my tech is too busy working to play Operator. And of course, everyone who is discharged is ready to leave yesterday and I can't get them out there fast enough for their liking, so I have to deal with them fussing with me as well.

Evenings can be hectic with the admissions--especially when they like to do them back-to-back-to-back-to-back, but overall the pace is more relaxed. Yes, there's still some paperwork and of course there are always meds (it's psych, after all!) but IMO you really do get more patient interaction on 3-11.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2011

I work the pm shift and it's usually pretty intense although I do get my work done and am out on time. I figure this is pretty good for a newer grad. I deal with young to older patients so I see some sundowning and then the unit usually takes off from there. I work in whats considered long term care but not elderly ltc so I get to see the same pts everyday. I love the pm shift! I don't get alot of admissions but it's usually never boring. Good luck to you!

ok2bme · Feb 4, 2011

I work the 3-11pm shift...I personally find that it is not conducive to having a social life, a life outside of work, or heck a life at all lol...but I like the shift and the pace itself.

During day shift, the pts at my facility at least are in and out of groups. During evenings, they are more available for assessments and interventions.

Also..administration leaves pretty early in the shift. The less my nurse manager is there btching and micro-managing, the better!

The doctors leave early, but when we need something it is not a hassle to contact the on-call doc. The problem is that we are bombarded with orders right before they leave.

I think that overall this shift is more laid-back, and there is better teamwork since less disciplines and administration are around.

Rntr · Feb 22, 2011

Good post... I an considering a change to a State facility and wonder about what to expect on this shift..It will be a new area for me from OR ...

opossum · Feb 25, 2011

I'm about to start my first 3-11 shift today :rolleyes:

I've been orienting on days, so I'm curious as to how different evening shift will be. Some nurses on our ward say it's more laid-back, some say it's more hectic...I guess it depends on who you ask!

I'll let you know how it goes...

Whispera, MSN, RN · Feb 25, 2011

I worked the 3-11 shift for quite a few years. I loved it except it sure cut into family time. Good parts are you get more time with the patients--you get to know them better; the noise of lots of people being there is gone because most staff leaves by 6. Bad parts are that sometimes what seems adequate staffing on daytime shift suddenly becomes inadequate when there are several admissions which take a long time and you're the only one who can do that as well as everything else; patients can and do "act out" more on 3-11 because they're not as occupied with activities, or they've had enough sleep already during the daytime...

There are other pros and cons, but suddenly my brain has gone to Albuquerque.

opossum · Feb 28, 2011

OK, so I survived my first 3-11 shift...

It seems like the pts are all amped up between 3-7pm because they just came back from their groups and want their snacks and coffee, etc. I had a cup thrown at me and splashed with water.

I felt like I had a little bit more time to read charts and behavioral plans and also spend time out in the milieu. Everything gets quiet by the end of the shift because pts are winding down, or already in bed. So I do feel like I have more room to think and do paperwork...

Rntr · Mar 1, 2011

Was wondering how this went for you... I am looking into options for myself and wondering about inpatient Psych at a State Facility... I too like the 3 to 11 shift..

Now looking online at their site, it states starting pay is a level 14 but that range is pretty wide.. also, it states pay is by education and experience.. I am wondering what to expect. I have 36 yrs exp with a BS and not BSN so anyone have an idea of what to expect pay wise..

Thanks