Extra Money

Queen33FutureLPN, CNA · May 22, 2011

Any cna's that work day shift ever pick up a night shift on the same day?Basically working a 24 hr shift?I need some extra money is this insane?

I work in a hospital.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · May 22, 2011

Working 24 hours straight? Yes, that's insane, and probably not allowed.

What if you pick up an extra day? Or work per diem at another facility?

yousoldtheworld · May 22, 2011

24 hours, NEVER. And it's not safe, for you or the residents/patients. I have worked a few 16 hour shifts, though...and they are doable, but not ideal.

Queen33FutureLPN, CNA · May 23, 2011

I did talk to my nurse manager and she said the latest I could stay was until 3 in the morning.Thats 8 extra hours for me.I am saving up for a car.

CNAespy · May 23, 2011

I know doctors work really long shifts like that, but as a CNA, you're not allowed to work a 24 hour shift. Not only is it a bad idea as far as your employer is concerned, it's also very hazardous -- not only to your health, but also to the health of everyone you're responsible for taking care of.

You will be fatigued, you will make mistakes, you will not remember things as well, and your feet will absolutely kill. I've pulled 16 hour shifts, and by hour 14, I'm feeling every minute after that: in my feet, my ankles, my back, my eyes, my thoughts, and I'm usually starving and starting to feel irritable. 12 hour shifts are no big deal, once you're used to them.

Don't over-do it. If you work too much as a CNA/RN/LPN/anything related to patient care, the burn out will do more harm than anything else -- and the car won't be worth it.

TL;DR - take care of yourself when you have to take care of others. Best of luck to you.

Steve EMT-B · May 24, 2011

Last I heard for my workplace is 16 hours is the limit. The only exception is when we are in the state of emergency they will let you go with 20 hours. I have done multiple 16 hour shifts back to back and when its said that the burnout will come it does... I miss alot of time with my family because I catch up on sleeping. After a 16 hour day I have an hour to drive home not to mention the hour I drive coming in. It is true that working over 16 hours is not safe. One of our protocols here at work is 16 on and mandatory 8 off or in between shifts. hope this helps:twocents: