CNA’s who have worked each shift at a nursing home

[Nicolemiranda]

Those CNA’s who work at a nursing home an have worked each shift before, Do you think there is a difference in the amount of work from 1st shift 2nd shift an 3rd shift? If so can you please explain. 
I ask because my place of employment is closing which I have been at for years on 1st shift. I have never worked a different shift. Now I have starting a new place where I’m very lost an overwhelmed on first shift. I am not as fast as some of the younger CNA’s which makes things harder as well. I would love to hear your experiences. 
thank you all kindly:) 

[smith.slm2007, CNA]

Hi there! I haven't worked in a nursing home, but I've worked all shifts in an assisted living facility, specifically memory care. IMO the biggest factor in the workload overall can vary depending on what hasn't been done from the previous shift. Shift wise you will have your to do list based on your residents care plan, however there's of course other things that may or may not need to be done as well for the "facility". Also with your residents you'll find that there are other needs they may become vocal about that's not in their care plan that you don't mind going the extra mile for.

I'm "young" LOL and sometimes some things take me longer, I know because I chuckled when it was brought up in one of my reviews. It was noted that I didn't have anything "else" that needed to be improved on so that was the best they could find. Don't worry about the speed in which you do things on these shifts, because you know that theyll be mostly done before the end of shift. && they'll be done with quality in mind. If you need to move some thing's around to knock certain stuff out first that may be a good approach. Anything left over will be just that, the days are different, but just be mindful to let the next shift know about it. Don't over do it.

 

Hopefully this helps!

[Eileen Robinson, CNA]

I've worked day and evening shifts in my current position. I've done a night shift as a home care assistant. 

Honestly, the day shift is fast paced and the shift goes quickly if you are the bath aide or doing other tasks. Evenings are not as fast paced but still busy. And yes, it depends on if tasks were done on the previous shift. I was the bath aide on one evening shift because an aide didn't come in on day shift. This happens unfortunately.

It depends on the needs of the SNF and definitely talk to your coworkers and the nurses on duty about your situation. 

[Red Shirt 6, CNA]

I have worked day, swing and graveyard on 8 hours and 12 on both day and night. Every shift has a lot of work. During the day and swing there are more coworkers so less patients to take care of while having more tasks to do for example meals.  While night and graveyard fewer coworkers so more people to take care of; While there are fewer tasks, I have experienced more issues such as sundowners, people passing away than I have during the day shift. 

Personally, the work load feels equal across each shift