Do any CNA's here work 11-7 in LTC

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I am considering working nights 11-7 and wanted some advice before I make the decision. I do have 2 children (9 & 13) so when it's not summer they would be in school during the day. I am just wondering if you like nights, if your life is out of control because of it, and if you feel tired always?? I think I could do it...I have no trouble sleeping during the day!! This would be such a benefit to my kids, since they would not have to go to day care...which at their ages is not something they like, however, I don't want to cause issues in my marriage with me being cranky and tired all the time. Would love to hear any advice...thanks!

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I did this back when. I went to nursing school full time and found that I was always tired. When I was supposed to be in bed sleeping, I always found a way or several ways to delay closing my eyes. That did not help matters. When I slept "enough", I also found it was not enough. I was still tired. You may want to look at the PM shift as a more normal option, if you find that you have trouble working nights.

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Hmm...well, many years ago I worked 11-7 and had a tough time adjusting. 3-11 I could do just fine, but my body clock just wouldn't adapt to 11-7. Fast forward to now - I'm working on-call, and have worked all 3 shifts, largely hassle-free. Far as adaptation - there's any number of threads with good advice, but it's really just a matter of (a) completely light-free sleeping environment, (b) no chemical stimulants (e.g. caffeine), © no sleeping aids, (d) go to sleep at a set time, and (e) time to adapt. Ultimately, (e) is going to be the deal-breaker; if you just can't do it, then you can't do it. The rest just facilitates (e).

Incidentally, in a previous thread I mentioned that getting a day-shift position as a new CNA is tough - and, naturally, having made that statement my current employer has...put me on day shift for the time being. Excuse me while I chow down on some nice fresh crow (nomnomnomnom...) :icon_roll

----- Dave

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I've worked all three shifts in LTC and I'd say 11-7 is probably the easiest one for me. I'm sure there are probably other threads that describe it, and the poster right above me is pretty accurate. For me, I can sleep easily during the day as well (night person). 8 hour night shifts aren't that bad if you can get some sleep regularly. I used to get home around 8am, mull around for maybe an hour or so, sleep a few hours, be up in the middle of the day, and then sleep 4 hours right before my shift. Sometimes I'd sleep more or less. Definitely stay away from caffeine usage if at all possible. My secret weapon is Emergen-C. :)

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Thanks all for your replies. I have been offered a full time 11-7 and have decided that I am going

to go for it!!! I am excited & nervous since this is my first CNA position...but feeling positive. I appreciate all your incite

into the 11-7 shift.

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