Are CNA work schedules generally flexible?

[lilbearzmom]

I am just about to start an STNA course on Monday. I will also be in school part time beginning in Sept. (prereques for RT program). I also have a husband with a steady job that is unfortunately odd hours, and a six year old who will be in school and daycare at the end of this month. I was just wondering how willing employers who are hiring STNAs/CNAs are to work with your scheduling needs. I can certainly work any 3rd shift any day of the week, but some days I can work 1st or 2nd. Any thoughts?

[Jenny_07]

It depends on on your LTC. I know with mine we have set work schedules IE. 6-2, 2-10, 10-7 and you have to work every other weekend and holiday. The only people that have a flexible work schedule is our on call dept because they sign up for their shifts. BUT like i say it depends on your LTC so i would check with the care center

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

You will have to work at least every other weekend. And based on how my facility operates you could probably arrange to work different shifts but they would have to be the same all the time. ie you work 1st shift every wednesday and 2nd shift every monday and you CANNOT say "ok this week I'm not available for 2nd shift on Monday." Unless you were PRN- but then your hours aren't guaranteed. Again that's just my facility. Maybe others are different.

[yousoldtheworld]

They can be flexible, but it really just depends on your facility. Were I in your place, I'd just work 3rd shift. PRN is convenient, but you might not get nearly enough hours. You can always tell them what days you can work different shifts, but in my experience they don't always remember/honor that and I have several big schedule conflicts to deal with when I'm in school.

When you get hired, just tell them up front what you're looking for as far as hours go, and also make sure you meet with the scheduler to discuss your availability. Most places will work with you if they need the help.

Good luck!

[lilbearzmom]

Thanks for the responses. I figured if I could get a schedule that works with my already set school schedule, that once a new quarter started, I could work my class times around my work hours.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

My facility is pretty flexible. But then again, its not an LTC, its an assisted living facility (ALF). I've worked at a couple of LTC's and they're not too flexible imo, unless you are PRN. I would say try & get a job at an ALF, they're more flexible.