Applying for night shift RN position

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Hello. I'm sure this question has been asked numerous times, so I apologize in advance. I have an interview on Wednesday for a 7p-7a RN position. Just wondered if anyone could tell me what to expect on night shift. What are the RN's duties? I'm sure it differs from facility, but just looking for some insight. Thanks!

ETA: I'm unable to edit the headline, but its an interview.

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Specializes in Long term care-geriatrics.

I have worked some 11p to 7am. If you are working 7pm to 7am, there is some difference. 7pm you come in and start a med pass. Check 8pm blood sugars. at 11pm do another med pass. If you have tubefeeders you will need to address them and give them the flushes. At the last place the 3rd shift had to check the temperatures on all the refrigerators and document the information. 3rd shift also had to check the blood sugar machines. 3rd shift also had to check all the orders for the day to make sure they are posted correctly. Between 4am and 5am you will need to start your last med pass and check your morning blood sugars. Some facilities could also have you do Nursing Summarys. Good Luck

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Thank you Veronica for the reply! :) We shall see how it goes on Wednesday when I have the interview. I'll be sure to ask a lot of questions!!

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

are you applying for a staff position or a supervisory position? moreover, you may at times do what veronica has described if there is a call-in. many other duties if you are a supervisor alone or the only rn in-house.

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I have an interview for a staff position. I'm sure I will be doing a little bit of everything.

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The hardest part about that shift is trying to stay awake, alert and on duty!(LOLOLOLOL). Seriously, at night you need to do walking rounds to make sure everyone is there, give routine pain meds, antibiotics. Also need to start tube feeding pumps per MD orders and make sure they have new bags, syringes. Charting. In the morning it gets busy taking blood sugars, and admin. insulin as well as other meds. They usually have the night nurse check refriderator temp. logs, calibrate blood sugar monitors and other side jobs. It can get hectic if someone gets sick and you have to send them out of if someone expires. If this happens to happen around the time you get off you wind up not getting off on time. I prefer 8 hour night shifts.

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Toydemon10, thank you for the reply. :)

I got the position, but I will be working 3p-11p for a while since I don't have a lot of LTC experience. I was told by a friend that if I can work the 3p-11p shift I can work any.

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3-11 is ideal. You do not have to wake up out of a sound sleep to get to work and you can go to bed at a decent hour. I love 3-11. 8 hour shifts rock.

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