Which shift do you prefer-LTC

Everlasting904 · Jul 15, 2011

I currently work night shift(11pm-7am) theres alot of work involved every shift but to me night shift is more slowed down & not as fast paced. You have more than enough time to do vitals,pass ice,do haircair in the morning..etc marjority of the residents are asleep at this time(less call bells ringing). If you want something more Fast-Paced I would definately say 7am-3pm shift is the one. If you are just starting out in my opinion this is a very hard shift & confusing the whole shift your on the move, its harder to find help with residents and at my facility short-staffed. The middle shift (3pm-11pm) I would say is like a medium and is good for starting out or training. If i were to choose the best to start out I would say 3-11 or 11-7. You have more time to learn and get to know residents & plus my facility pays more for those who work evenings & nights. Hope this helps & Goodluck:):):) :bow:

Bbo.W · Jul 15, 2011

I work 7PM-7AM, 3 shifts a week, and I really like it! The floor I work on is an Alzheimer's/dementia unit, so sometimes (like last night, a full moon :-)) it gets crazy, but it is so nice to be able to comfort someone when they need it! When I get there I pass snacks, then get everyone changed into nightgowns and make sure they're dry. Chart. Stock gloves, wipes, and Depends. Do 11 o'clock rounds. Chart. Eat my lunch. 1o'clock rounds. Chart. Do any assigned cleaning. 3o'clock rounds. Chart. Finish up anything else/extra cleaning, etc. 5o'clock rounds. Chart. Go home, hopefully on time if dayshift is on time. Shower, sleep.

Rinse, repeat :-)

BCicalaRN, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2011

I have worked both 7a-7p and 7p-7a and I have to say I prefer night shift. I am currently finishing nursing school and I have a 2 year old so working while him and my husband are sleeping is a way to get in further clinical experience, make some money and attend school all the while not really missing out on their lives as well. Or at least that works out sometimes- with school ther is no life anyway!

gapeacheykeen · Jul 15, 2011

Thank you everyone, I am hoping that I can get into the training program this semester so that I can work my way through LPN school. Since having to divorce in the middle of completing my program in Georgia. I was unemployed and relying on my husband (boy, what a mistake) now it is trying to get a job is a little hard. Either I am over qualified or under qualified. When I am able to complete the program I wanted to be able to tell the LTC which shift I would prefer...it sounds like the middle one might be a better choice to get some experience the night shift may be too difficult if I have to have school from 8-3.

northernguy · Jul 15, 2011

They all have their advantages and disadvantages. I think day shift has the best hours, but is also the busiest and most stressful. Evenings is easier, unless they have less staff working so you have more residents to take care of. Overnight shift can be the easiest of the three but sometimes it can get pretty crazy and you dont have anyone to help you.

For a new CNA, evenings would be the least difficult I think.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Jul 15, 2011

I started on 3-11 and now I work 7-3. I like mornings better. You wake up, go to work and get it done with. No sitting around all day thinking, "I have to work later, uggh!" Plus, you stay busy all day whereas on 3-11 the end of the night is soooo boring.